IflS    741 


LIBRARY 

OF   THK 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


AMERICANA  GERMANICA 

NEW  SERIES 

MONOGRAPHS  DEVOTED  TO 
THE  COMPARATIVE  STUDY  OF  THE 

Literary,  Linguistic  and  Other  Cultural  Relations 

OF 

Germany  and  America 


EDITOR 

MARION  DEXTER  LEARNED 
University  of  Pennsylvania 


TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 


AMERICAN  MAGAZINES 
1741-1810 


TOGETHER   WITH   TRANSLATIONS   OF   OTHER   TEUTONIC 

POETRY   AND   ORIGINAL   POEMS   REFERRING 

TO   THE   GERMAN  COUNTRIES 


EDWARD   ZIEGLER   DAVIS,  PH.D. 

Instructor  in   German  and  Sometime  Harrison  Research  Fellow  in   Germanics, 
University  of  Pennsylvania 


PHILADELPHIA 

AMERICANA    GERMANICA    PRESS 
1905 


This  Edition  is  Limited  to  Five  Hundred  Numbered  Copies 


Copyright,  1905 
By  EDWARD  ZIEGLER  DAVIS 


, 


THE  NEW  ERA  PRINTING  COMPANY 
LANCASTER,  PA. 


TO   MY   PARENTS 

IN   APPRECIATION   OF   THEIR   INTEREST   AND    ENCOURAGEMENT 
IN   THE   PRESENT   WORK 


PREFACE. 


The  present  study  is  an  extension  of  a  thesis,  presented  to  the 
Faculty  of  the  Department  of  Philosophy  of  the  University  of  Penn 
sylvania  in  partial  fulfilment  of  the  requirements  for  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Philosophy.  The  object  has  been  to  treat  the  material  in 
the  early  American  magazines  which  gave  readers  information  about 
Germany  and  other  Teutonic  countries.  While  the  primary  aim  has 
been  to  discuss  the  translations  of  poetry  and  the  original  poems 
bearing  on  the  subject,  all  relevant  prose  articles  have  also  been 
listed.  Since  many  of  the  magazines  used  are  extremely  rare  and 
almost  unique,  the  texts  from  them  are  here  reprinted  in  order  to 
make  such  information  accessible.  As  some  of  the  translations  and 
poems,  however,  have  been  traced  to  Thomas  Campbell,  Sir  Walter 
Scott,  William  Wordsworth,  Thomas  Gray  and  others,  whose  works 
are  to  be  found  in  almost  any  library,  reprinting  was  unnecessary 
in  these  cases.  M.  G.  Lewis'  Tales  of  Terror  and  Wonder  has 
had,  besides  many  early  imprints,  a  recent  edition  by  Henry  Morley 
in  1887  and  the  poems  from  it  that  appeared  in  the  American  maga 
zines  are  here  mentioned  by  title  only,  the  one  exception  being  The 
Erl-King,  which  is  included  because  of  several  variants.  Long 
poems  like  The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland  (which  itself  would  make 
a  small  book)  are  not  reprinted. 

Parts  II  to  V  are  arranged  chronologically,  so  as  to  show  the 
gradual  growth  of  the  German  influence.  Translations  and  poems 
are  therefore  reprinted  under  the  date  of  their  first  appearance ;  later 
publications  of  them  in  the  magazines  are  here  recorded  simply  by 
title,  with  a  note  giving  the  earliest  date.  The  texts  are  reprinted 
exactly  as  they  appeared  in  the  early  American  periodicals,  thus  pre 
senting  the  information  about  Germany  in  the  same  form  in  which 
readers  of  a  century  ago  received  it.  Mistakes  are  often  interesting 
as  illustrative  of  an  ignorance  about  German  names  and  words. 
Only  the  most  evident  typographical  errors  have  been  corrected, 
such  as  "  spweep  "  for  "  sweep,"  "  bilssful  "  for  "  blissful,"  and 


viii  PREFACE 

"  fustain "  for  "  sustain."  Differences  due  to  eighteenth  century 
orthography  are  retained. 

The  subject  has  been  investigated  to  the  end  of  the  year  1840,  but 
this  volume  treats  only  the  period  ending  with  1810.  Often  for  the 
sake  of  complete  lists,  however,  poems  of  a  later  date  are  mentioned. 
Throughout  Parts  II  to  V,  notes  by  the  present  author,  except  men 
tion  of  sources  from  which  the  reprints  are  made,  are  inclosed  in 
brackets. 

The  courtesy  and  assistance  rendered  in  obtaining  the  magazines 
make  me  indebted  to  the  attendants  in  the  various  libraries  visited, 
particularly  to  Mr.  Allan  B.  Slauson,  of  the  Library  of  Congress. 
I  wish  to  thank  Professor  Daniel  B.  Shumway,  of  the  University 
of  Pennsylvania,  for  helpful  criticism,  and  Professor  John  L.  Haney, 
of  the  Philadelphia  Central  High  School,  for  valuable  information 
about  the  German  literary  influence  in  England  during  the  period 
under  discussion  and  for  improvements  suggested  in  the  preparation 
of  the  Introduction. 

I  am  especially  indebted  to  Professor  Marion  D.  Learned,  of  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  at  whose  suggestion  and  under  whose 
inspiration  the  present  investigation  has  been  carried  on. 

EDWARD  Z.  DAVIS. 
PHILADELPHIA,  January,  1905. 


CONTENTS. 


I — INTRODUCTION     .........       i 

II — TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY  .         .         .         .         .21 

III — TRANSLATIONS    OF    DUTCH,    DANISH,    NORWEGIAN    AND 
ICELANDIC  POETRY,  AND  ORIGINAL  POEMS  REFERRING 
TO  THE  GERMAN  COUNTRIES   ......     95 

IV — LIST  OF  TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  PROSE  AND  LIST  OF 

ORIGINAL  ARTICLES  ON  THE  GERMAN  COUNTRIES  .         .  191 

V — LIST  OF  MAGAZINES  EXAMINED 215 

INDEX 225 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  important  influence  which  German  literature  has  exercised  on 
American  culture  and  literature  extends  from  the  early  part  of  the 
nineteenth  century.  This  influence  was,  in  a  measure,  a  continuation 
of  the  interest  and  activity  that  had  existed  in  England  during  the 
last  quarter  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Prior  to  1790,  numerous 
translations  from  Gellert,  Wieland,  Klopstock,  Lessing,  Goethe  and 
Schiller  appeared  from  time  to  time,  but  it  was  not  until  William 
Taylor  of  Norwich  began  to  write,  that  the  movement,  which  cul 
minated  in  the  works  of  Coleridge,  Carlyle  and  others,  assumed 
definite  form.1 

American  literature  at  this  time  was  still  subservient  to  that  of 
England  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  the  new  literary  impulse  from 
Germany  should  have  found  reflection  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 
This  foreign  influence  was  further  aided  by  direct  contact  with  Eu 
rope.  By  the  second  or  third  decade  of  the  last  century  the  studies 
of  American  scholars  abroad  became  an  important  factor  in  our  in 
tellectual  development.  In  1819  Edward  Everett  returned  from 
Europe  to  become  professor  of  Greek  at  Harvard  University.  He 
had  studied  at  the  University  of  Gottingen,  where  he  had  become 
enthusiastic  for  the  methods  of  German  scholarship.  While  in 
Europe  he  secured  for  Harvard  College  a  large  number  of  German 
books,  which  soon  proved  to  be  a  stimulus  to  the  students  of  the 
institution.  In  1823  W.  E.  Channing  in  his  Remarks  on  National 
Literature  advocated  the  study  of  French  and  German  authors,  so 
that  our  literature  might  attain  a  position  of  independence  from  that 
of  England.2  Two  years  later,  in  1825,  Karl  Follen  entered  upon 
his  duties  at  Harvard  College  as  instructor  in  German.3 

1  John  L.  Haney,  German  Literature  in  England  before  1790,  in  the  Ameri 
cana  Gcrmanica,  IV,  No.  2. 

Cf.  also,  Dr.  Haney's  monograph,  The  German  Influence  on  Samuel  Taylor 
Coleridge,   Philadelphia,   1902. 
Georg  Herzfeld,  William  Taylor  von  Norwich,  Halle  a.  S.  1897. 

2  The  Works  of  William  E.  Channing,  Boston,   1849.    Geo.  D.  Channing. 
Vol.  1-277. 

Cf.  also,  the  remark  of  Francis  Hopkinson,  p.  194. 

"As  early  as  1754  William  Creamer  (or  Cramer)  was  appointed  Professor 
I  i 


2  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Before  Edward  Everett  went  abroad  to  study,  however,  American 
scholars  had  begun  to  seek  wider  cultural  advantages  at  the  centres 
of  learning  in  Europe.1  They  were  mostly  theological  students,  or 
men  more  or  less  closely  connected  with  the  diplomatic  service.  The 
most  prominent  among  the  latter  class  was  John  Quincy  Adams,  who 
spent  several  years  in  Europe.  His  interest  in  German  literature  is 
shown  by  the  fact  that  he  translated  Wieland's  Oberon,  which  how 
ever  was  not  published,  because  Sotheby's  translation  had  just  ap 
peared  in  London.2 


of  the  French  and  German  Languages,  at  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
which  position  he  held  for  twenty-one  years.  In  1780  a  German  Professor 
ship  of  Philology  was  established  in  the  same  institution.  J.  C.  Kunze,  the 
first  appointee,  lectured  in  German  on  Latin  and  Greek.  After  1784,  his  suc 
cessor,  J.  H.  C.  Helmuth,  carried  out  the  same  policy. 

Cf.  M.  D.  Learned,  Address  at  the  Opening  of  the  Bechstein  Library, 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  March  21,  1896. 

1  Benjamin  Franklin's  visit  to  the  University  of  Gottingen  is  described  in 
the  Gbttingische  Anscigcn  for  Sept.  13,  1766,  which  states  that  the  session  of 
the  Royal  Society  of  Sciences  held  on  the  igth  of  the  preceding  July  was  more 
impressive  than  usual.    "  The  two  famous  English  scholars,  the  royal  physi 
cian,  Mr.  Pringle,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Franklin,  from  Pennsylvania,  who  hap 
pened  to  be  at  that  time  in  Gottingen  on  a  trip  through  Germany,  took  their 
seats  as  members  of  the  society." 

Cf.  the  account  by  Dr.  E.  J.  James  (The  Nation,  Apr.  18,  1895,  p.  296), 
reprinted  in  B.  A.  Hinsdale's  article  Foreign  Influence  upon  Education  in  the 
United  States,  published  in  the  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Education, 
1897-98.  Vol.  I,  pp.  604-607. 

Cf.  also,  L.  Viereck,  German  Instruction  in  American  Schools,  ibid.,  1900- 
1901.  Vol.  I,  p.  543. 

2  Adams  wrote  also  an  account  of  his  journey  to  Silesia  in  July,  1800.    This 
was  in  the  form  of  twenty-nine  letters  to  his  brother,  written  during  the  trip, 
and  thirteen  more  added  after  his  return  to  Berlin.     Although  they  were 
private  communications,  the  editor  of  the  Port  Folio  secured  them  for  his 
magazine  and  printed  them  anonymously,  without  suppressing  personal  refer 
ences,  as  the  author  would  have  done,  had  he  known  of  the  publication. 

"  Whether  these  passages  ever  came  under  the  observation  of  the  persons 
affected  is  not  certain.  So  long  as  they  remained  confined  to  the  columns  of 
an  American  publication  of  that  day,  the  probabilities  would  favor  the  nega 
tive.  But  they  were  not  so  confined.  Again,  without  the  knowledge  or  con 
sent  of  the  author,  an  individual,  unknown  to  him,  but  fully  aware  of  the 
facts  in  the  case  nevertheless  took  the  collection  from  the  Portfolio  to  Lon 
don,  and  there  had  them  printed  for  his  own  benefit,  in  an  octavo  volume,  in 
the  year  1804.  From  this  copy  they  were  rendered  into  German,  and  pub 
lished  at  Breslau  the  next  year,  with  notes,  by  Frederick  Albert  Zimmerman; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  3 

A  little  later,  in  1809,  Alexander  Hill  Everett  went  to  Russia  as 
secretary  to  the  legation  and  spent  several  years  in  different  cities 
on  the  continent.1  George  Ticknor  visited  Germany  in  1815  to  pre 
pare  for  his  duties  as  professor  of  modern  languages  at  Harvard ; 
and  George  Bancroft,  after  graduating  from  college  in  1817,  studied 
for  five  years  at  Gottingen,  Heidelberg  and  Berlin.  Henry  E. 
Dwight  was  at  Gottingen  from  1824-1828  and  in  the  next  year 
published  in  New  York  Travels  in  the  North  of  Germany,  1825-6. 
It  was  about  this  time  that  James  Fenimore  Cooper  began  his 
European  travels,  which  lasted  from  1826  to  i833.2  Thus,  Ameri 
can  scholars  had  been  acquiring  German  thought  and  culture  at  first 
hand,  before  Longfellow  or  Emerson  went  abroad  for  the  first  time. 
With  these  two  the  German  influence  in  America  reached  its  height 
—  Longfellow  in  literature,  and  Emerson  in  his  transcendental 
philosophy. 

This  was  the  second  channel  by  which  German  literature  became 
known  in  this  country.  The  first,  as  has  already  been  indicated, 
came  indirectly  through  England.  There,  considerable  activity  in 
this  line  had  been  manifest  since  1790.  Books  of  translations  were 
published  and  the  magazines  contained  many  fugitive  pieces  from 

and  in  1807  a  translation  made  into  French,  by  J.  Dupuy,  was  published  in 
Paris  by  Dentu. 

"  Thus  it  happened  that  these  letters,  originally  intended  as  purely  familiar 
correspondence,  obtained  a  free  circulation  over  a  large  part  of  Europe  with 
out  the  smallest  agency  on  the  part  of  the  author,  or  any  opportunity  to  cor 
rect  and  modify  them  as  he  certainly  would  have  done  had  he  ever  possessed 
the  power." 

Memoirs  of  John  Quincy  Adams,  Edited  by  Charles  Francis  Adams.  12 
vols.,  Philadelphia,  1874.  Vol.  I,  240-241. 

The  American  publication  began  in  the  Port  Folio,  I-i,  Jan.  3,  1801,  Phila. 
For  a  review  of  the  English  edition,  cf.  The  Monthly  Review  or  Literary 
Journal,  XLV-35O,  December,  1804,  London. 

1 "  He  [A.  H.  Everett]  had  probably  studied  German  while  he  was  associated 
with  John  Quincy  Adams  in  St.  Petersburg,  where  German  influence  was 
strong  and  the  study  of  the  language  and  literature  could  be  pursued  under 
the  most  favorable  conditions.  The  United  States  Magazine  and  Democratic 
Review,  New  York,  Vol.  X  (N.  S.)  1842-?.  461,  states  that  he  studied  at  St. 
Petersburg,  among  other  things,  the  modern  languages." 

Frederick  H.  Wilkens,  Early  Influence  of  German  Literature  in  America  in 
the  Americana  Germanica,  III,  No.  2,  p.  155. 

*M.  D.  Learned,  German  as  a  Culture  Element  in  American  Education, 
Milwaukee,  1898. 


4         TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

the  German.     It  is  chiefly  a  reflex  of  this  interest  that  we  find  in 
American  periodicals  to  the  end  of  1810. 

In  America,  likewise,  German  literature  was  made  known  to  Eng 
lish  readers  by  means  of  translations  either  in  book  form  or  in  the 
magazines.  The  subject  of  translations  in  book  form  has  been 
treated  in  the  recent  article  by  Wilkens  already  mentioned.  He  dis 
cusses  German  drama,  fiction,  poetry,  philosophy,  theology  and 
pedagogy,  and  gives  in  an  appendix  "  A  List  of  the  Translations  of 
German  Literature  that  were  printed  in  the  United  States  before 
1826."  These  books,  however,  were  not  the  first  means  of  intro 
ducing  German  authors  to  American  readers.  The  first  mention  of 
this  foreign  literature  we  find,  as  a  rule,  in  the  magazines.  Here 
are  numerous  accounts  of  the  lives  of  German  writers,  criticism  of 
their  books,  notices  of  editions  (English  or  American)  and  besides 
these,  many  translations  of  poetry  and  the  shorter  prose  works. 
These  articles  or  translations  do  not,  of  course,  antedate  the  earliest 
appearance  of  the  same  works  in  England,  but  it  is  safe  to  say  that 
whatever  information  on  German  literature  was  offered  in  the  Amer 
ican  magazines  reached  the  American  public  sooner  than  the  copies 
of  an  English  book  sent  over  here  to  be  sold.  Many  readers  learned 
to  know  foreign  literature  through  the  medium  of  the  periodicals 
who  would  not  think  of  purchasing  all  the  books,  of  which  they  had 
read  reviews  or  selections.  This  was  especially  true  of  the  poetry. 
The  prose  works  were  usually  too  long  for  republication  in  the  maga 
zines  and  could  be  announced  only  through  critiques  or  abstracts. 
Even  here,  however,  some  of  the  longer  pieces  appeared,  such  as 
The  Apparitionist  (Schiller's  Geisterseher}  in  the  N.  Y.  Weekly 
Mag.,  I-i6,  etc.,  1795,  N.  Y.,  and  in  the  same  magazine  II-4,  etc., 
Tschink's  Victim  of  Magical  Delusion,  while  The  Mirror  of  Taste 
and  Dramatic  Censor,  I,  1810,  contains  Emilia  Galotti,  translated  by 
Miss  Fanny  Holcroft.  These  prose  pieces,  being  long,  were  con 
tinued  from  number  to  number,  but  for  the  poetry  this  was  not  nec 
essary.  Poems  of  the  size  of  Klopstock's  Messiah  or  Gessner's 
Death  of  Abel  appeared  in  the  magazines  only  in  selections  or  ex 
tracts,  while  on  the  other  hand  most  of  the  lyric  poems,  being  short, 
could  very  easily  be  reprinted  entire  in  translation.  With  hardly  an 
exception,  the  short  poems  of  German  authors  appeared  in  America 
in  the  periodicals  some  time  before  they  were  issued  in  book  form ; 
for  example,  the  earliest  publication  of  Gessner's  Idyls  mentioned 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  5 

by  Wilkens  was  in  I8O2,1  whereas  single  idyls  had  been  translated 
for  the  magazines  in  1774,  1775,  1792,  1795,  1798,  1799,  two  in  1793, 
three  in  1796  and  five  in  1801.  Similarly,  the  first  American  im 
print  of  M.  G.  Lewis'  Tales  of  Wonder  was  issued  in  New  York  in 
1801,  while  five  selections  in  it  had  already  appeared  in  the  Weekly 
Mag.,  1798-9,  Phila.2  In  addition  to  these  there  were  found  in  the 
American  magazines  before  1811,  ten  translations  from  Burger, 
eight  from  Gellert,  five  from  Lessing,  four  from  Haller,  three  from 
Goethe,  two  each  from  Jacobi,  Klopstock,  Matthisson  and  Schick- 
aneder,  and  one  each  from  "  Adelio,"  Biirde,  Kotzebue,  Patzke, 
"  Sheller,"  and  "  Van  Vander  Horderclogeth,"  together  with  several 
translations,  for  which  the  name  of  the  original  author  was  not  given. 
None  of  these  were  printed  in  book  form  before  i826.3 

The  first  translations  of  German  poetry  printed  in  America  are  to 
be  sought,  therefore,  in  the  magazines  and  it  was  here  also  that  the 
public  received  its  first  information  about  the  lives  of  the  German 
literati.  It  is  the  object  of  the  present  study  to  consider  the  German 
influence  in  the  early  American  periodicals,  treating  especially  the 
translations  of  German  poetry  published  in  them.4  Together  with 
these  are  to  be  found  in  Part  III  translations  from  the  other  Teu 
tonic  literatures  more  or  less  closely  connected  with  the  German, 
namely,  translations  of  Dutch,  Danish,  Norwegian  and  Icelandic 
poetry,  and  also  original  poems  on  German  literature,  history,  biog 
raphy,  etc., —  for  example,  Ode  on  the  late  Victory  obtained  by  the 
King  of  Prussia,  Charlotte's  Soliloquy — to  the  Manes  of  Werter,  and 
Burlesque  on  the  Style,  in  which  most  of  the  German  romantic  Bal 
lads  are  written.  To  this  has  been  added  a  list  of  translations  of 

1  New  Idyls,  by  S.  Gessner.     Philadelphia,  1802. 

2  Burger,  Leonora  [Wm.  Taylor  —  some  variants],  Vol.  1-221. 
Burger,  The  Chase  [Sir  Walter  Scott],  Vol.  11-413. 

— ,  The  Water  King  [M.  G.  Lewis],  Vol.  Ill -92. 

Goethe,  The  Erl-King  [M.  G.  Lewis],  Vol.  Ill -93. 
— ,  The  Erl-King's  Daughter  [M.  G.  Lewis],  Vol.  Ill -94. 

The  last  three,  however,  were  also  in  Lewis'  Ambrosia  or  the  Monk,  Phila 
delphia,  1798. 

1  Wilkens'  List.  Two  selections  from  Burger  and  two  from  Goethe  appeared 
in  Lewis'  collections,  but  no  editions  of  their  poems  exclusively  were  issued. 
Klopstock's  Messiah  was  published  three  times  before  1811,  but  not  his  shorter 
poems. 

*  Wilkens  mentions  about  a  dozen  magazines  incidentally  but  no  attempt  has 
been  made  to  investigate  this  field. 


6         TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

German  prose,  and  a  list  of  original  articles  on  Germany,  etc.,  so  that 
a  complete  estimate  of  the  German  influence  in  these  magazines  can 
thus  be  obtained. 

The  scope  of  the  present  work  comprises  the  American  magazines 
published  before  1811.  By  the  term  "American  magazines"  is 
meant  all  magazines  published  in  English,  whether  in  the  United 
States  or  Canada.  Periodicals  in  German,  Spanish,  French  or  other 
foreign  languages  have  been  excluded.  In  as  much  as  the  study  is 
primarily  concerned  with  literature  it  has  been  necessary,  on  account 
of  the  great  scope  of  the  subject,  to  omit  publications  of  a  non-liter 
ary  type,  e.  g.,  newspapers,  gazettes,  periodicals  dealing  solely  with 
history,  religious  magazines,  almanacs,  etc.  This  method  of  exclu 
sion  is  not  an  easy  one,  for  during  the  period  under  discussion  the 
magazine  and  the  newspaper  approached  each  other,  the  former 
printed  news  and  the  latter  gave  specimens  of  literature,  usually  short 
poems.  It  happened  sometimes  that  a  translation  which  appeared 
in  a  magazine  had  been  printed  first  in  a  newspaper.  For  example, 
The  Name  Unknown,  "  Imitated  from  Klopstock's  ode  to  his  future 
mistress.  By  Thomas  Campbell,"  is  to  be  found  in  the  Newport 
Mercury,  1803,  Newport,  just  three  years  before  it  was  printed  in 
The  Evening  Fireside,  II -165,  Phila.  This  illustrates  the  impor 
tance  of  the  newspaper  in  this  connection,  especially  since  the  latter 
contained  also  numerous  paragraphs  on  things  German,  but  it  is  a 
field  for  separate  investigation  and  in  this  connection  must  take  sec 
ond  place  as  compared  with  the  literary  periodicals. 

Similarly  the  religious  magazines  often  contain  poems  relative  to 
our  subject,  so  that  it  has  been  necessary  to  include  some  of  these 
publications.  Thus,  the  Boston  Observer  and  Religious  Intelligencer, 
1-152,  1835,  Boston,  contains  the  poem  Trust  in  God,  "Translated 
from  the  German,"  whereas  others  indicate  on  their  title  page  their 
dual  character,  e.  g.,  The  Literary  and  Theological  Review,  1834-39, 
N.  Y.,  The  Monthly  Miscellany  of  Religion  and  Letters,  1839,  etc-> 
Boston,  and  The  Monthly  Mag.  of  Religion  and  Literature,  1840, 
Gettysburg.  Most  of  the  religious  magazines,  however,  belong  to 
the  period  after  1810. 

Lastly,  even  some  of  the  almanacs  come  almost  within  the  range 
of  the  present  discussion,  for  the  earlier  ones  have  poems1  and  inter- 


1  Universal  American  Almanack,  or  Yearly  Mag.,  1764,  Phila.,  contains  a 
poem  entitled  Golden  Verse  of  Pythagoras. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  7 

esting  information,  and  were  carefully  read  by  the  general  public. 
Most  of  these  had  their  vogue  before  the  literary  magazine  became 
prominent  and  therefore  represent  a  period  before  the  German  lit 
erary  influence  had  made  itself  felt.  Of  those  that  were  examined, 
none  contained  material  to  warrant  their  inclusion  in  the  list  given 
in  Part  V. 

Whenever  periodicals  were  found  to  be  of  the  types  just  men 
tioned,  they  were  omitted  from  further  consideration.  There  are 
two  other  kinds  of  publications,  however,  that  have  been  included  in 
the  present  investigation.  The  first  is  the  English  magazine  re 
printed  in  this  country.  Since  it  is  impossible  to  exclude  all  trans 
lations  in  American  magazines  made  by  Englishmen  —  as  will  be 
shown  later  on  —  it  has  been  found  practical  to  take,  as  the  basis  of 
selection,  all  periodicals  actually  published  on  this  side  of  the  Atlan 
tic.  The  only  examples  of  this  class  that  fall  within  our  period  are 
The  Mirror,  I-II,  1803,  Phila.  — a  reprint  of  a  magazine  of  the  same 
name,  that  appeared  in  Edinburgh,  1779-1780,  The  Connoisseur, 
I- IV,  1803,  Phila.  (London,  1755)  and  The  Quarterly  Review, 
I- IV,  printed  in  London  and  reprinted  in  New  York,  1810.  In  some 
instances  the  material  in  the  American  edition  differs  from  that  of 
the  English,  so  that  it  is  quite  necessary  to  include  this  class  of 
periodicals. 

The  other  type  of  publications,  alluded  to,  is  the  miscellany.  It 
contained  poems,  prose  selections  and  articles  on  a  wide  range  of 
subjects.  It  differed  from  the  magazine  simply  in  one  respect, 
namely,  that  it  was  issued  with  less  regularity.  It  offers,  however, 
valuable  additions  to  the  present  collection.1  Thus,  even  by  omitting 
all  irrelevant  publications,  the  field  is  a  broad  one  and  rich  in  im 
portant  material. 

In  any  investigation  of  the  early  American  magazines  the  difficulty 
of  locating  copies  is  apparent.  The  editions  of  many  of  these  peri 
odicals  were  small,  especially  if  issued  from  the  less  important  liter 
ary  centers;  so  that  now,  after  the  lapse  of  a  hundred  years,  their 

1  Curiosities  of  Literature,  1793,  Philadelphia. 

Miscellanies,  1796,  Burlington. 

A  Book,  a  periodical  work,  1807,  New  York. 

The  Thistle,  1807,  Boston. 

Charms  of  Literature,  1808,  Trenton. 

The  Hive,  1810,  Hartford. 


8  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

volumes  are  extremely  hard  to  trace.  Another  fact  that  aided  in 
the  disappearance  of  these  publications  was  their  short  existence.  If 
a  periodical,  like  the  American  Museum  or  the  Port  Folio,  ran  for  a 
number  of  years,  it  became  well  known  and  its  volumes  were  care 
fully  preserved.  The  libraries  attempted  to  get  complete  sets  and 
thus  the  magazine  was  made  accessible  for  future  generations.  A 
large  number  of  these  magazines,  however,  had  a  precarious  exist 
ence  for  a  year  or  more,  and  then  were  discontinued  for  lack  of  sup 
port.  Indeed,  the  many  failures  among  these  literary  ventures  cause 
one  to  wonder  why  others  were  undertaken,  and  yet  year  after  year 
new  magazines  were  launched  on  the  market  with  full  anticipation 
of  success.  This  certainly  indicates  a  widespread  demand  for  this 
class  of  literature  and  if  the  kind  offered  did  not  happen  to  suit 
the  taste,  the  fickle  public  was  constantly  deserting  the  old  for  the 
new. 

The  investigator  is  moreover  impeded  in  his  progress  by  lack  of 
definite  and  trustworthy  information  about  these  publications.  There 
is  no  complete  list  of  the  American  magazines  during  the  years  under 
discussion,  although  work  has  been  done  on  the  period  to  the  end  of 
1800.  Paul  Leicester  Ford  published  a  Check-list  of  American  mag 
azines  printed  in  the  eighteenth  century  (1889,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.). 
This  was  an  attempt  to  list  all  publications  referred  to  by  any  writer, 
whether  accessible  or  not.  The  present  investigation,  however,  has 
brought  to  light  thirty-five  or  forty  volumes  of  magazines  (includ 
ing  twenty  new  titles),  evidently  unknown  to  Ford,  not  to  speak  of 
several  newspapers  of  more  or  less  literary  value ;  but  the  latter  seem 
to  have  been  omitted  intentionally  from  the  Check-list. 

Even  the  magazines  of  Philadelphia,  the  literary  center  of  the 
country  during  the  eighteenth  century,  have  not  been  listed.  "  A 
complete  list  of  the  Philadelphia  magazines  is  impossible.  Many  of 
them  have  disappeared  and  left  not  a  rack  behind.  The  special  stu 
dent  of  Pennsylvania  history  will  detect  some  omissions  in  these 
pages,  for  all  that  has  here  been  done  has  been  done  at  first  hand, 
and  where  a  magazine  was  inaccessible  to  me,  I  have  not  attempted 
to  see  it  through  the  eyes  of  a  more  fortunate  investigator."1  What 
is  here  said  of  Philadelphia  is  equally  true  of  Boston,  New  York, 
Baltimore  and  the  other  centers  of  literary  activity  of  a  century  ago. 

Albert  H.  Smyth,  The  Philadelphia  Magazines  and  their  Contributors, 
1741-1850.  Philadelphia,  Robert  M.  Lindsay,  1892.  Preface,  p.  5. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  9 

In  spite  of  the  difficulties  just  mentioned  it  has  been  possible,  after 
an  extended  search,  to  find  enough  volumes  of  the  magazines  to  form 
an  almost  complete  list  for  the  period  in  question.  What  omissions 
there  may  be  are,  for  the  most  part,  obscure  and  unimportant  pub 
lications,  which  failed  to  attract  enough  attention  to  be  included  in 
the  large  collections  of  this  class  of  literature.  One  condition  fa 
vored  the  preservation  of  the  American  magazines ;  there  were  a  few 
institutions,  like  the  Philadelphia  Library  Company,  the  American 
Philosophical  Society,  and  others,  which  were  in  existence  during 
the  period  when  most  of  these  publications  were  issued.  It  has 
been  possible  for  them  to  amass  a  fairly  representative  collection  of 
contemporaneous  literature.  On  the  other  hand,  more  recent  insti 
tutions,  like  the  Boston  Public  Library  or  the  Library  of  Congress, 
have  displayed  such  industry  in  collecting,  that  they  now  have  splen 
did  lists  of  these  early  periodicals. 

The  plan  of  the  present  investigation  has  been,  therefore,  to  visit 
those  libraries  where  large  numbers  of  the  books  needed  are  located 
and  thus,  by  combining  the  material  secured  in  the  different  places, 
to  approach  as  near  as  possible  to  completeness.  One  library  fills 
out  the  gaps  of  another  and  it  often  happens  that,  in  order  to  see  the 
entire  set  of  a  magazine,  it  is  necessary  to  visit  three  or  four  libraries. 
A  record  has  been  kept  as  to  where  the  individual  volumes  are,  but 
as  useful  as  this  information  might  be  for  those  working  in  the  same 
or  in  a  kindred  field  it  has  been  found  too  complex  to  be  indicated 
in  the  list  of  magazines  given  in  Part  V.1  The  material  here  in 
cluded  is  based  on  a  personal  examination  of  about  three  hundred 
volumes  representing  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  different  maga 
zines. 

In  treating  the  German  influence  in  the  American  magazines,  it  is 
important  to  consider  the  position  which  the  magazine  held  during 
this  early  period.  Difference  in  conditions  enabled  the  periodical  to 
play  quite  a  different  role  from  that  which  it  now  plays.  In  the 
eighteenth  century,  as  compared  with  the  present  day,  free  libraries 
were  scarce  and  readers  had  to  depend  largely  on  the  books  they 
could  buy  or  borrow.  Then,  too,  books  were  expensive,  because 
many  had  to  be  imported  from  abroad,  and  those  printed  here  could 
not  be  sold  as  cheaply  as  now.  These  conditions  favored  the  maga 
zines,  which  were  inexpensive  and  furnished  to  their  readers,  besides 

1  A  list  of  the  libraries  consulted  is  given  at  the  beginning  of  Part  V. 


10        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

original  matter,  republications  of  the  best  literature  of  Europe. 
They  kept  the  public  abreast  with  the  times  and  supplied  the  place 
now  occupied  by  the  numerous  libraries  and  books  which  can  be 
purchased  at  a  moderate  cost. 

Another  element  which  the  magazine  of  a  century  ago  did  not  have 
to  contend  with  so  vigorously  was  the  newspaper.  The  modern 
newspaper  is  becoming  larger  and  larger,  and  is  making  increased 
demand  every  day  on  the  time  and  interest  of  the  public.  In  the 
eighteenth  century  and  the  first  decade  of  the  nineteenth  this  was 
not  the  case.  To  be  sure,  there  were  many  newspapers,  gazettes  and 
advertisers,  but  they  were  comparatively  small  in  size,  consisting 
usually  of  only  four  or  six  pages.  "  At  the  period  of  the  American 
Revolution,  journalism  had  nowhere  reached  [an]  advanced  stage 
of  effectiveness.  In  America,  especially,  the  newspapers  were  petty, 
dingy,  languid,  inadequate  affairs ;  and  the  department  of  the  news 
paper  now  devoted  to  editorial  writing,  then  scarcely  existed  at  all." 1 
Many  editors  considered  the  news  available  to  be  sufficient  merely 
for  a  weekly  instead  of  a  daily  issue.  This  is  not  surprising.  With 
the  absence  of  the  modern  telegraph,  telephone,  ocean  cable  and 
steam  railroad  the  facility  for  getting  news  from  a  distance  was 
greatly  diminished.  Then,  too,  as  the  population  of  the  country  was 
much  smaller  than  now,  the  most  important  domestic  news  could  be 
told  in  a  few  columns.  All  this  tended  to  keep  the  newspapers 
within  moderate  proportions,  and  although  they  were  numerous,  it 
is  safe  to  say  that  they  did  not  make  such  a  demand  on  the  reader's 
time  as  to  divert  his  attention  from  a  more  serious  kind  of  literature. 
People  had,  therefore,  plenty  of  leisure  for  careful  perusal  of  the 
magazines,  and  these,  by  giving  in  many  cases  a  summary  of  the 
news,  decreased  the  necessity  for  the  newspaper.  For  advertise 
ments  and  business  announcements  the  gazettes  and  advertisers  were 
the  main  source,  but  for  general  information  and  current  literature 
persons  did  not  have  to  devote  so  much  attention  to  the  newspaper. 

As  far  as  can  be  learned,  the  magazine  in  this  early  period  was 
regarded  in  a  more  serious  light  than  to-day.  It  was  not  a  means 
to  while  away  an  idle  hour — something  to  be  glanced  at  hastily  and 
then  thrown  aside.  The  editors  attempted,  on  the  contrary,  to  give 
the  best  literature  at  their  disposal,  whether  original  or  reprint,  and 


1  M.  C.  Tyler,  The  Literary  History  of  the  American  Revolution,  I,  1763- 
1776,  New  York,  1897,  p.  18. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  II 

endeavored  to  improve  the  public  taste  by  selecting  matter  that  would 
be  acceptable  to  a  scholarly  audience.  "  A  striking  difference  be 
tween  the  older  magazine  and  the  recent  ones  is  the  conspicuous 
absence  from  the  journal  of  a  century  ago  of  what  is  commonly  called 
'  light  literature.'  " * 

Tyler  mentions  the  same  conditions.  "  Our  colonial  journalism 
soon  became,  in  itself,  a  really  important  literary  force.  It  could 
not  remain  forever  a  mere  disseminator  of  public  gossip,  or  a  placard 
for  the  display  of  advertisements.  The  instinct  of  critical  and  brave 
debate  was  strong  even  among  those  puny  editors,  and  it  kept  strug 
gling  for  expression.  Moreover,  each  editor  was  surrounded  by  a 
coterie  of  friends,  with  active  brains  and  a  propensity  to  utterance; 
and  these  constituted  a  sort  of  unpaid  staff  of  editorial  contributors, 
who,  in  various  forms, —  in  letters,  essays,  anecdotes,  epigrams, 
poems,  lampoons, — helped  to  give  vivacity  and  even  literary  value 
to  the  paper."  2 

Considering  these  facts,  it  is  seen  that  the  magazines  of  the  period 
under  discussion  played  a  more  important  role  in  the  cultural  devel 
opment  of  the  people  than  they  do  now.  They  were  not  as  numer 
ous,  nor  were  so  many  copies  of  each  number  issued  then  as  now, 
but  the  population  was  also  much  smaller,  and  consequently  a  smaller 
number  of  periodicals  sufficed,  although  relatively  they  may  have 
been  as  numerous.  One  thing  seems  certain, —  in  the  absence  of  so 
much  other  reading  matter,  the  magazine  went  into  the  home  and 
was  perused  with  care  by  the  different  members  of  the  household. 
We  have  only  to  refer  to  the  attention  given  to  the  almanacs  during 
a  period  slightly  earlier,  and  these  did  not  attempt  to  present  as  much 
entertaining  literature  as  the  magazines.  The  prominence  of  these 
literary  periodicals  in  the  development  of  American  thought  and  cul 
ture  is  usually  overlooked,  but  should  certainly  be  recognized  in  the 
history  of  literature  in  America. 

All  this  is  very  pertinent  to  the  subject.  The  importance  of  the 
translations  and  poems,  here  reprinted,  in  bringing  things  German 
before  the  American  public  depends  naturally  upon  the  importance 
of  the  channel  by  which  they  were  introduced.  From  what  has  just 
been  said,  it  is  evident  that  the  magazine  not  only  had  a  wider  and 
freer  scope  then  than  now,  but  also  attempted  to  preserve  as  high 

1  Smyth,  op.  cit.,  p.  20. 

1  M.  C.  Tyler,  A  History  of  American  Literature,  II,  1676-1765,  New  York, 
1878,  pp.  304,  305. 


12  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

a  literary  and  scholarly  standard  as  was  possible  for  that  day.  What 
was  admitted  to  its  pages  had  therefore  considerable  weight  and  in 
fluence,  and  became  known  at  once  as  far  as  the  magazine  circulated. 
It  is  for  this  reason  that  the  appearance  of  so  many  poems  and  prose 
articles  relating  to  the  German  countries  becomes  so  important,  and 
the  interest  here  aroused  was  to  increase  many  fold  in  the  decades 
immediately  following. 

The  publication  of  translations  of  German  poetry  in  the  American 
magazines  indicates  a  twofold  activity.  In  the  first  place  it  shows 
active  interest  and  enthusiasm  on  the  part  of  a  few  individuals  who 
read  and  appreciated  German  literature  and  who  had  the  ability  not 
only  to  understand  the  foreign  poetry  but  also  to  translate  it  for 
their  fellow  countrymen.  How  many  there  were  who  could  read  the 
original,  it  is  impossible  to  say,  but  these  translators  were  certainly 
only  a  small  part  of  the  Americans  who  understood  German.  In  the 
second  place  the  appearance  of  German  poems  in  the  magazines  indi 
cates  a  growing  acquaintance  with  German  literature,  on  the  part 
of  the  public  at  large.  From  the  fact  that  the  number  of  translations 
increased  from  year  to  year  we  may  infer  that  they  found  favor  in 
the  eyes  of  the  readers.  Even  if  the  circulation  of  the  individual 
magazines  was  small,  the  combined  effect  of  so  many  must  have  been 
considerable. 

It  may  seem  at  first  thought  that  relatively  few  poems  have  been 
collected  in  proportion  to  the  ground  covered.1  There  is  a  limita 
tion,  however,  that  must  not  be  overlooked.  Only  a  small  part  of 
each  magazine  was  devoted  to  poetry  and,  after  the  original  produc 
tions  and  the  republications  of  English  verse  (which  naturally  re 
ceived  first  consideration),  German  could  only  hope  for  its  share 
along  with  the  other  foreign  literatures.  It  is  remarkable  how  many 
foreign  literatures  are  represented  in  the  sections  of  these  magazines 
devoted  to  poetry.  There  are  translations  from  the  Latin,  French, 
German,  Dutch,  Danish,  Norwegian,  Norse  (Icelandic),  Italian, 
Spanish,  Portuguese,  Irish,  Welsh,  Greek,  Laplandish,  Persian  and 
Turkish.  In  all  this  mass  of  translations,  German  ranks  perhaps 
third  as  regards  quantity;  it  is  exceeded  only  by  the  Latin  and 

1  There  are  in  the  magazines  of  the  period,  71  translations  of  German 
poetry  and  10  duplicates;  68  original  poems  and  translations  of  other 
Teutonic  poetry,  and  24  duplicates. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  13 

French.1  This  is  true,  however,  only  for  the  period  to  the  end  of 
1810.  The  situation  in  the  three  succeeding  decades  is  very  differ 
ent,  but  will  be  discussed  at  a  later  time. 

There  is  another  reason  why  these  magazines  did  not  contain  more 
translations  from  the  German.  The  period  under  consideration  co 
incides  very  closely  with  the  classical  epoch  of  German  literature  and 
many  of  the  masterpieces  were  not  issued  until  near  the  end.  Her 
mann  und  Dorothea  appeared  in  1797  and  Wallenstcin  three  years 
later,  while  Wilhelm  Tell  was  not  finished  until  1804  and  the  com 
pleted  Faust  (first  and  second  parts)  was  published  twenty-three 
years  after  the  period  closes.  The  dates  of  much  of  the  classical 
German  literature  precluded  the  possibility  of  its  being  translated 
until  two  thirds  of  the  period  had  passed.  However  valuable  these 
works  are,  it  is  not  remarkable  that  they  should  not  have  become 
known  immediately  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  For  the  Germans 
here,  the  originals  were  all  that  were  needed,  and  it  naturally  took 
some  time  for  the  English  part  of  the  population  to  realize  the  worth 
of  the  books  and  to  demand  translations.  These  causes,  then,  pre 
vented  the  German  influence  in  the  magazines  from  assuming  larger 
proportions. 

The  period  treated  in  the  present  study  is  from  1741  to  1810  in 
clusive.  The  year  1741  is  chosen  as  marking  the  beginning  of  the 
American  periodicals  of  a  literary  type.  The  publications  of  an 
earlier  date  that  were  examined  were  devoted  almost  entirely  to  news, 
or  were  almanacs  that  contained  no  literary  material,  for  example, 
the  New  England  Kalendar,  I,  1706,  Boston,  or  the  New  Weekly 
Journal,  1728,  Boston.  These  have  been  omitted  from  the  list.  It 
is  therefore  not  until  1741  that  our  period  really  begins.  The  two 
magazines  which  were  to  be  the  pioneers  of  this  extensive  class  of 
American  literature  had  been  announced  in  the  previous  year.  The 
Phila.  Weekly  Mercury  (Oct.  30,  1740)  gives  the  prospectus  of  a 
magazine  to  be  edited  by  John  Webbe  and  printed  by  Andrew  Brad 
ford ;  while  in  the  Pennsylvania  Gazette  (Nov.  13,  1740)  Franklin 
announced  The  General  Magazine  and  Historical  Chronicle  for  all 
the  British  Plantations  in  America.  A  bitter  controversy  soon  arose, 
—  Franklin  claiming  that  Webbe  had  stolen  his  plans,  and  Webbe 

1  No  list  of  the  translations  from  the  Latin  and  French  in  these  magazines 
has  been  made,  so  that  a  numerical  comparison  with  those  from  the  German 
is  at  present  impossible. 


14        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

accusing  Franklin  of  using  his  position  as  Postmaster  to  exclude  the 
Mercury  from  the  mail.  Both  magazines  were  issued  in  January, 
1741 ;  Webbe's  journal,  The  American  Magazine;  or  a  Monthly  View 
of  the  Political  State  of  the  British  Colonies,  ran  for  three  months 
and  Franklin's  for  six  months.1  With  these,  then,  the  investigation 
for  the  present  subject  begins.  As  has  been  indicated,  the  work  has 
been  extended  to  the  end  of  the  year  1840.  After  that,  German 
literature  was  established  as  a  well  known  factor  in  our  intellectual 
development,  as  is  shown  by  the  numerous  books  of  translations  and 
imitations,  and  the  magazines  were,  henceforth,  less  important  in 
this  particular.  The  period  here  treated  extends  only  to  the  end  of 
1810.  These  years  witnessed  the  beginning  of  the  movement  and 
the  first  period  of  considerable  activity  in  this  field.  During  the 
years  immediately  following  1810  there  was  a  decline  in  the  German 
literary  influence  in  the  American  magazines.2 

To  estimate  definitively  the  amount  of  literary  activity  in  America 
with  respect  to  things  German,  as  illustrated  by  these  translations 
and  poems,  would  require  considerable  information  concerning  the 
translators.  If  the  translator  lived  in  England  and  his  work  was 
simply  reprinted  in  an  American  magazine,  the  literary  activity  be 
longs  more  to  England  than  to  this  country ;  but  the  fact  that  the 
poem  was  reprinted  shows  a  desire  to  acquaint  readers  here  with 
foreign  poetry,  the  only  difference  being  that  the  influence  came 
through  England  and  not  from  Germany  direct.  Where  the  works 
printed  are  from  the  pen  of  an  American,  they  represent  not  only  the 
ability  of  the  writer  to  appreciate  German,  but  also  the  active  inter 
est  to  reproduce  it  for  the  American  public ;  the  translation  is  then 
entirely  an  American  product.  As  to  Englishmen  here  doing 
this  kind  of  work,  it  would  be  of  advantage  to  know  whether  they 
were  merely  travelers  or  sojourners,  or  had  been  here  long  enough  to 
be  considered  an  integral  part  of  our  civilization.  However  useful 
this  information  would  be,  it  is,  in  a  majority  of  cases,  unobtainable. 
Most  of  the  translations  appeared  without  any  indication  as  to  au 
thorship.  One  thing  that  may  partly  account  for  this  was  the  ten 
dency  of  the  early  magazines  to  copy  and  plagiarize.  Scores  of 

'John  Bach  McMaster,  Benjamin  Franklin  as  a  Man  of  Letters,  Boston, 
1887,  p.  129  seq. 

2  A  similar  decline  in  the  German  literary  influence  was  noticed  also  in 
England  after  1810. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  1 5 

poems  were  found  which  had  previously  been  printed  in  other  peri 
odicals  (American  or  English),  but  for  the  source  of  which  no 
credit  was  given.  Even  the  author's  name  was  suppressed.  In  one 
instance  an  editor  inserted  a  poem  that  had  appeared  in  the  very  same 
magazine  one  or  two  years  earlier,  and  yet  the  readers  were  to  re 
ceive  it  as  something  new.1  The  only  possible  means  of  identifica 
tion  in  these  cases  is  by  comparison  with  published  collections  of 
translations.  Several  translations  have  thus  been  traced  to  Sir  Wal 
ter  Scott,  M.  G.  Lewis,  William  Taylor  of  Norwich  and  others. 
Many  are  reprints  from  English  magazines,  concerning  which  it  is 
impossible  at  present  to  give  more  accurate  information.  The  sub 
ject  has  not  been  investigated  with  respect  to  the  English  periodicals, 
and  since  their  number  is  far  greater  than  the  American,  it  would 
require  a  separate  study  to  prepare  a  list  of  translations  from  the 
German  published  in  them.  It  is,  therefore,  impracticable  to  exclude 
from  the  present  discussion  translations  and  poems  by  Englishmen, 
for  it  is  only  where  the  author's  name  is  mentioned,  or  a  note  given, 
stating  that  the  translation  was  made  for  such  and  such  a  magazine, 
that  we  can  be  sure  whether  it  was  an  American  product  or  not. 
The  important  fact  is  that  the  translation  appeared  in  America  and 
helped  to  make  known  to  American  readers  certain  specimens  of 
German  literature. 

In  the  selection  of  material  certain  limitations  were  necessary.  In 
the  list  of  prose  translations  and  articles  dealing  with  the  German 
countries,  everything  has  been  mentioned  which  refers  directly  or 
indirectly  to  Germany.  This  is  important  in  giving  a  complete  esti 
mate  of  the  interest  shown,  for  there  was  a  desire  to  know  something 
about  German  prose  works,  German  biography  and  history  as  well 
as  German  poetry.  From  the  list  of  translations  reprinted  here, 
however,  have  been  excluded  all  translations  of  dramas  except  cer 
tain  selections,  such  as  songs  or  short  scenes  approaching  the  lyrical 
mood.  In  most  of  the  portions  of  dramas  reproduced  the  passages 
are  too  long  for  republication  or  the  interest  is  wholly  dramatic  and 
not  lyric.  The  subject  of  the  present  study  is,  then,  specifically  —  the 
German  lyric  poetry  which  appeared  in  English  in  the  magazines  of 
America. 

The  term  "  poetry  "  is  here  taken  in  a  liberal  sense  and  includes 

1  The  Moss  Rose,  From  the  German  [of  Krummacher].  The  Minerva,  I -40, 
May  4,  1822  and  II -296,  Dec.  20,  1823,  N.  Y. 


1 6        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

more  than  the  translations  of  German  verse  alone.  Some  transla 
tions  were  found  whose  originals,  though  prosaic  in  form,  are  poetic 
in  content.  This  was  readily  recognized  by  the  translators,  who 
have  accordingly  given  metrical  renderings.  For  example,  we  have 
Letter  LXI  of  the  Sorrows  of  Werter  Versified;  four  of  Gessner's 
prose  idyls  have  been  rendered  into  verse,  and  in  the  later  period 
Krummacher's  prose  fable,  The  Moss  Rose,  appears  five  times  in 
verse  (1819,  1822,  1823,  1829,  1831)  and  twice  in  prose  (1827, 
1833).  Similarly,  prose  translations  of  German  verse  have  been 
included,  e.  g.,  two  fables  from  Gellert  (1796),  Morning,  from  Hal- 
ler  (1793),  and  the  Swiss  song,  Ranz  des  Vachcs  (iSos).1  On  the 
other  hand,  prose  translations  of  Gessner's  prose  idyls  are  recorded 
by  title  only.  Another  poem  of  a  different  class  must  be  mentioned. 
In  the  volumes  examined  only  one  German  poem  written  in  America 
was  found.  This  was  Hoffnung  by  "  Adelio  "  and  a  note  stated  that 
it  was  written  "For  the  Philadelphia  Repository"  (Feb.  18,  1804, 
Phila.).  At  the  end  were  the  words:  "A  poetical  translation  is 
requested."  The  following  number  (Feb.  25)  contained  a  transla 
tion. 

Another  group  of  poems  calling  for  some  attention  includes  those 
translated  from  the  French.  These  are  of  two  kinds.  In  the  first 
place  there  are  poems  written  in  French  by  Germans  or  Swiss,  such 
as  the  poems  of  Frederick  the  Great,  and  also  the  Rons  des  V aches. 
As  to  the  latter,  the  French  verses  are  given  in  two  instances  together 
with  the  translation,2  so  that  it  is  certain  what  the  original  was.  In 
other  instances  no  mention  is  made  of  the  source.  Since  part  of  the 
population  of  Switzerland  has  always  been  German,  a  German  form 
of  the  song  very  likely  existed.  It  is  difficult,  therefore,  to  say 
whether  this  or  the  French  version  was  used  by  the  translator.  The 
title  is  French  but  this  might  have  been  retained  for  the  German 
stanzas. 

The  second  class  of  translations  from  the  French  comprehends 
those  from  authors  who  usually  wrote  in  German ;  thus,  Navigation, 


1  The  Rons  des  V aches  has  also  four  metrical  versions : 

1833  —  The  Lady's  Book,  VI -164. 

1833  —  The  Juvenile  Rambler,  11-84. 

1835 — Amer.  Mo.  Mag.,  ¥-424. 

1809  —  The  Visitor,  1-72   (entitled  Cow  Boy's  Chant). 

"Boston  Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -60,  Feb.  2,  1805,  Boston. 

The  Visitor,  1-72,  June  3,  1809,  Richmond. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  17 

"From  the  French  of  Gessner"  (1803),  and  The  Usurer,  "From 
the  French  of  Gellert  "  (Port  Folio,  XVI -245,  1823).  Either  these 
may  have  been  taken  from  French  translations  of  the  German,1  or 
the  word  "  French  "  may  be  a  mistake.2  This  second  group  has  been 
classed  with  the  translations  of  German  poetry  (Part  II)  ;  while  the 
first  group  from  the  French  belongs  to  Part  III. 

No  attempt  is  here  made  to  discuss  the  critical  estimate  that  the 
Americans  of  this  period  placed  upon  German  literature.  This 
would  require  a  consideration  of  all  the  prose  articles,  whereas  the 
present  study  has  been  devoted  entirely  to  the  poetry.  It  is  hoped 
that,  from  the  list  given  in  Part  IV,  such  information  may  be  ob 
tained.  Besides  the  several  paragraphs  on  German  literati,  the  in 
dividual  poems  are  often  preceded  by  an  introductory  note  praising 
the  original  of  the  translation.  Even  back  in  the  eighteenth  century, 
people  were  considering  the  utility  of  the  modern  languages  as  op 
posed  to  the  classics.  The  American  Museum,  for  example,  pub 
lished  a  Speech  on  the  learned  languages,  by  the  Hon.  Francis  Hop- 
kinson,  which  concludes  with  the  remark  that  the  "  languages  most 
in  use  are,  in  truth,  the  most  useful  to  be  known."3 

On  the  other  hand  there  were  unsympathetic  writers  who  ridiculed 
the  Germans  and  their  literature.  The  Monthly  Magazine  published 
a  letter  entitled  Literary  Industry  of  the  Germans,  which  decried 
their  pedantic  scholarship  in  unprofitable  directions.4  This  attack  is 

'The  British  Museum  catalogue  mentions  "Fables  et  Contes  [trans,  prin 
cipally  from  the  German  of  C.  F.  Gellert,  etc.],  1754." 

*Cf.  The  Earth's  Division,  "Trans,  from  Goethe  [sic],  by  L.  E.  L." 
Waldie's  Port  Folio,  Part  1-123,  Apr.  11,  1835,  Phila. 

Also,  Benevolence,  "A  Fable  from  the  German  of  Galleret"  [sic],  1802. 

*Amer.  Mus.,  Ill,  Jan. -June,  1788,  p.  539.  Cf.  Part  IV,  p.  194;  also  the 
remark  of  W.  E.  Channing,  Part  I,  p.  i. 

*"A  German  writer,  L.  W.  Bruggeman,  has  published,  at  Stettin,  in 
Pomerania,  a  Prussian  province,  a  work,  in  English,  on  which  he  has  laboured 
twenty-five  years.  It  contains  a  view  of  all  the  English  editions,  transla 
tions  and  illustrations  of  the  ancient  Greek  and  Latin  authors.  In  the  execu 
tion  of  this  work,  he  has  been  at  great  expense,  being  obliged  to  purchase  and 
import  a  great  number  of  English  books.  This  is  a  very  curious  specimen  of 
learned  perseverance  and  labour.  That  a  man  should  spend  his  life  in  re 
counting  the  translations  of  ancient  authors  into  a  language  foreign  to  his 
own!  It  is  one  of  the  most  difficult,  tiresome,  unpopular,  and  unprofitable 
branches  of  the  trade.  Germany,  however,  affords  innumerable  instances  of 
this  kind  of  literary  diligence.  There  is  a  press  at  Leipsic  abundantly  supplied 
2 


!8  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

also  expressed  in  the  form  of  parodies,  of  which  the  following  were 
found :  The  Wolf  King,  a  satire  on  The  Water  King,  The  Fire  King, 
etc.  (1802),  The  Paint  King,  a  burlesque  on  The  Cloud  King,  The 
Fire  King  and  others  (1809,  1833),  Against  Faustus  (1804),  The 
Squeaking  Ghost,  "  a  tale  imitated  from  the  German,  according  to 
the  true  and  genuine  principles  of  the  horrifick  "  (1808,  1809,  1810), 
Parody  on  Burger's  Earl  Walter  (1807),  Ode  to  the  German  Drama, 
"Parody  of  Gray's  Ode  to  Adversity"  (1806),  and  Burlesque  on 
the  style  in  which  most  of  the  German  romantic  ballads  are  written 
(1799,  1801).  In  some  of  these  instances  the  parodies  may  denote 
no  real  hostility  but  merely  a  rhymester's  attempt  to  be  clever. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  several  of  the  poems  in  these  magazines 
may  be  grouped  together,  thus  indicating  particular  interest  in  cer 
tain  subjects.  Each  group  forms,  as  it  were,  a  cycle,  though  the 
individual  poems  were  usually  written  by  different  persons.  One 
of  these  groups  attests  the  popularity  of  Frederick  the  Great,  even 
before  the  American  Revolution.  The  translations  from  his  poetry 
are:  Relaxation  of  War  (1758,  1795,  1798),  The  King  of  Prussia's 
Ode  imitated  in  rhime  (1758),  A  literal  translation  of  the  King  of 
Prussia's  Ode  (1758),  Translation  of  an  Epistle  from  the  King  of 
Prussia  to  Monsieur  Voltaire  (1759),  Ode  to  Death  (1786,  1806), 
Prayer  of  Frederick  II  in  Behalf  of  Poets  (1805),  and  A  Song 
( 181 1 ) .  The  original  poems  about  Frederick  are :  Winter,  a  poem, 
containing  a  reference  to  "great  Frederick's  noble  feats"  (1758), 
On  the  compleat  Victory  .  .  .  (1758),  Ode  on  the  late  Victory  ob 
tained  by  the  King  of  Prussia  (1758),  On  the  glorious  Victory  .  .  . 
(1758),  The  Third  Psalm  paraphrased,  "Alluding  to  his  Prussian 
Majesty"  (1758),  On  reading  in  the  publick  Papers  .  .  .  (1758), 
The  Royal  Comet,  referring  to  "  Prussia's  great  Frederick  "  (1758), 
and  Mr.  Voltaire's  letter  to  his  Prussian  Majesty,  Translated  (1758). 
Another  group  treats  the  kings  of  the  natural  elements,  so  com 
mon  in  German  literature:  The  Erl  King  (1798,  July  1833,  Sept. 
1833,  1835,  1836,  1838,  1839),  The  Erl  King's  Daughter  (i798)> 
The  Water  King,  a  Danish  Ballad  (1798),  The  Wolf  King,  a  parody 
on  The  Water  King,  The  Fire  King,  etc.  (1802),  Hrim  Thor,  or  the 
Winter  King  (1802),  Grim,  King  of  the  Ghosts  (1802)  and  The 

with  editions  and  interpretations  of  Chinese,  Abyssinian,  Coptic  and  Syriac 
productions." 
Mo.  Mag.  and  Amer.  Rev.,  II -8,  1800,  N.  Y. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  19 

Paint  King,  a  burlesque  on  The  Cloud  King,  The  Fire  King,  etc. 
(1809,  1810,  1833).  This  interest  in  the  weird  element  explains  the 
popularity  of  Burger's  Lenore,  which  appears  in  translation  in  1798, 
1 80 1,  1804,  1823,  1836,  1839,  1840. 

Switzerland  is  described  in  a  variety  of  poems,  treating  all  phases 
of  the  life  and  scenery.  The  most  prominent  among  them  is  the 
Swiss  song,  which  is  variously  translated  as  the  Ranz  des  Vaches, 
the  Cow  Boy's  Chant,  and  The  Song  of  the  Swiss  in  a  Strange  Land 
(1805,  Oct.  15,  Oct.  29,  Nov.  i,  Nov.  8,  Dec.  17,  1808,  June,  June 
3,  1809,  twice  in  1833  and  once  in  1835).  In  addition  to  the  trans 
lations,  there  are  four  imitations  of  the  same  poem :  The  Swiss  Ex 
iles'  Song  (1835),  The  Switser's  Return  [from  America]  (1836), 
The  Switzcr's  Song  of  Home  (1837,  ^sS),  and  The  Swiss  Emi 
grant's  Dream  of  Home  (I84O).1 

The  last  group  of  poems  to  be  mentioned  refers  to  Goethe's  novel, 
Die  Leiden  dcs  jungen  Werthers.  This  was  evidently  popular  in 
America,  though  by  no  means  causing  the  widespread  delirium  and 
sentimentality  that  had  been  rife  in  Germany.  During  our  period 
the  book  was  published  here  six  times  in  translation,  and  an  English 
imitation,  The  Letters  of  Charlotte,  during  her  Connexion  with 
Werter,  had  three  American  reprints.2  These,  together  with  trans 
lations  imported  from  England,  must  have  made  Werter  well  known 
in  this  country.  It  is  not  surprising,  therefore,  to  find  in  the  maga 
zines  eight  poems  on  the  subject :  Narcissa,  containing  a  reference 
to  Werter  in  the  third  stanza  (1787),  Charlotte's  Soliloquy  —  to  the 
Manes  of  Werter  (1787),  Death  of  Werter  (1787),  Werter 's  Epi 
taph  (1787,  1791,  1805),  On  Reading  the  Sorrows  of  Werter  (1790), 
Letter  LXI  of  the  Sorrows  of  Werter,  Versified  (1791),  Werter' s 
Farewell  to  Charlotte  (1798)  and  Charlotte  at  the  Tomb  of  Werter 
(1809). 

The  early  American  magazines,  then,  were  instrumental  in  making 
German  literature  and  especially  German  poetry  known  in  America. 
It  was  possible  for  them  to  print  translations  of  individual  poems  of 
an  author  long  before  there  was  a  demand  for  them  in  book  form. 
Gessner,  Burger,  Gellert,  Lessing  and  others  have  already  been  men 
tioned  in  this  connection.  It  is  interesting  to  note  just  what  poets 

1 A  translation  of  Schiller's  Rons  des  Vaches  in  "  William  Tell "  is  given  in 
The  Constellation,  III -266,  July  7,  1832,  N.  Y. 
*  Wilkens,  op.  cit,,  p.   164  seq. 


20        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

were  introduced  to  the  American  public  by  means  of  the  magazines. 
Gessner  and  Burger  were  the  most  popular,  the  former  appearing 
twenty-five  times  and  the  latter  ten  times  before  1811.  Gessner 
was  perhaps  the  German  poet  best  known  in  America.  During  this 
period  his  Death  of  Abel  had  no  less  than  sixteen  American  imprints 
and  four  imitations,  while  translations  of  his  Idyls  appeared  in  book 
form  twice  in  1802  and  once  in  iSo/.1  Burger,  on  the  other  hand, 
was  known  only  through  these  poems  in  the  magazines,  or  perhaps 
through  imported  books.  No  volume  of  translations  of  his  poems 
belongs  to  this  period  of  American  printing. 

After  these,  Gellert,  Lessing  and  Haller  had  some  share  of  recog 
nition  both  by  translation  and  criticism.  Goethe,  as  has  been  shown, 
was  known  as  the  author  of  Wcrter.  As  for  his  lyrical  productions, 
only  two  appeared,  The  Erl-King  (1798)  and  Frederick  and  Alice, 
"  Imitated  rather  than  translated  from  a  fragment  introduced  in 
Goethe's  Claudine  von  Villa  Bella"  (1807).  Other  poets,  like  Ja- 
cobi,  Klopstock,  Matthisson  Kotzebue,  Patzke  or  Biirde,  found  an 
occasional  admirer,  but  not  enough  was  done  to  bring  their  charac 
teristics  plainly  before  the  public.  In  addition  to  these,  there  were 
numerous  parodies  and  original  poems,  which  helped  to  emphasize 
the  importance  of  things  German.  This  influence,  moreover,  was 
aided  by  the  translations  of  prose  works  and  by  articles  on  German 
literature,  history  and  biography,  which  are  scattered  through  the 
pages  of  these  periodicals.  The  American  magazines  accomplished 
considerable  for  German  in  this  country.  The  movement  here 
treated  grew  until  it  assumed  a  widespread  importance  a  few  decades 
later,  but  the  period  to  the  end  of  1810  is  interesting  as  marking  the 
beginning.  It  was  the  first  epoch  of  this  type  of  literary  activity  in 
America. 


1  Wilkens,  op.  cit.,  p.   108  seq.  and  164  seq. 

In  England,  likewise,  the  Idyls  were  constantly  on  the  book-market  and 
The  Death  of  Abel  had  20  editions  before  1800.    Cf.  Herzfeld,  of.  cit.,  p.  6. 


II. 

TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY. 


THE    OLD    MAN. 

From  Gesner. 
From  the  London  Magazine,  Oct.  1773. 

[Prose  translation.] 
Royal  Amer.  Mag.,  p.  14,  Jan.  1774,  Boston. 

[Reprint  from  the  London  Mag.,  p.  437,  Sept.  1773,  London.  Preceding  the 
title :  "  For  the  London  Magazine." 

Salomon  Gessner,  Palemon.  Idyllen,  Erste  Folge.  Concerning  the  prose 
translations  from  Gessner,  cf.  p.  16.] 

For  the  Pennsylvania  Magazine. 

MIRTIL   AND    THIRSIS. 
A  PASTORAL. 

From  the  German. 
[Prose  translation.] 

Penna.  Mag.,  I -359,  Aug.  1775,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Myrtil.  Thyrsis.    Idyllen,  Erste  Folge.] 

Description  (with  an  elegant  Engraving)  of  the  celebrated  Tomb  of 
Madame  Langhans,  executed  by  Mr.  John  Augustus  Nahl,  late  Sculp 
tor  to  the  King  of  Prussia,  and  which  is  to  be  seen  in  the  choir  of 
the  parish  church  of  Hindlebanck,  two  leagues  from  Berne. 

As  the  inscription  and  verses  of  the  Tombstone,  which  were  written  by 
the  celebrated  M.  de  Haller,  could  not  with  propriety  be  introduced  in  the 
engraving,  we  insert  them  here,  in  a  free  translation  from  the  original  Ger 
man. 

Hark !   the  majestic  sound !  the  trumpet  hear ! 
See  the  astonish'd  tombs  give  up  their  prey ! 


22        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Oh  God !  my  Savior !  'tis  thy  voice  I  hear ! 

And  with  my  child,  I  come  t'eternal  day, 
Awake  my  infant ;  open  now  thine  eyes, 

Leave  the  corruption  of  thy  mortal  birth, 
Arise  my  child,  to  thy  Redeemer  rise, 

And  taste  at  length  the  joy  denied  on  earth, 
Before  his  face  death  must  yield  to  life; 

Hope  to  real  joy  ...  there,  purged  from  sins, 
Serenety  succeeds  to  grief  and  strife,  Time  flies 
Eternity  begins. 


In  this  blessed  hope 
Sure  that  her  Saviour  will  fulfill  his  promise, 

Reposes  in  this  Tomb, 

Guarded  by  a  tender  and  sorrowful  husband, 

Mary  Magdalen  Waber, 

Born  8th  August,  1723 ; 

And  who  departed  this  life  on  Easter-Eve  1751, 

The  wife  of 

George  Langhans, 

Preacher  of  the  gospel  at  Hindelbanck. 

Boston  Mag.,  1-56,  Dec.  1783,  Boston. 


THE    BACCHANALIAN. 
(Translated  from  the  German.) 

The  thunder  rolls  dreadfully  through  the  dark  sky, 

To  the  cellar  I  quickly  retire; 
Think  not  that  I  wish  from  the  thunder  to  fly ; 

No — 'tis  for  the  best  wine  to  enquire. 

Universal  Asylum  and  Columbian  Mag.,  IV-253,  Apr.   1790,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  23 

LETTER    LXI.     OF   THE    SORROWS    OF 
WERTER,    VERSIFIED. 

Though  Homer  fired  my  youthful  breast, 
My  tender  fancy  deep  imprest, 

Ere  grief  had  made  me  smart : 
Yet  of  him  Ossian  has  ta'en  place ; 
His  woe-fraught  strains,  with  solemn  grace, 

Now  occupy  my  heart. 

To  what  a  world  of  direful  kind, 
The  Bard  illustrious  leads  my  mind, 

'Midst  heaths  and  wilds  to  stray ; 
Where  the  fierce  whirlwinds  sweep  the  plain ; 
Where  the  moon  feebly  holds  her  reign ; 

And  ghosts  elude  the  day. 

To  hear  from  off  the  mountains  steep, 
The  plaintive  sounds,  from  caverns  deep, 

Of  water's  dismal  roar: 
To  hear  the  maiden's  doleful  cries, 
That  on  her  warrior's  tomb-stone  dies, 

Who  her  did  much  adore. 

I  meet  this  bard  of  silver  hair, 
He  wanders  in  the  valley  drear, 

Whilst  grief  his  mind  consumes : 
His  father's  footsteps  tries  to  trace 
In  vain,  for  time  does  them  efface ; 

He  only  finds  their  tombs. 

The  pale  moon  sinks,  amid  the  waves, 
He  contemplates  her  as  she  laves 

Her  tresses  in  the  sea : 
Reflects  on  time  for  ever  gone, 
When  danger  pleased  and  spurred  him  on, 

Till  every  foe  did  flee. 


24  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

When  he  returned  on  evening  grey, 
The  moon  shone  on  his  Bark  of  prey, 

His  trophies  won,  displayed : 
When  by  his  countenance,  I  find 
Deep-rooted  sorrow  fill  his  mind, 

That  youth  so  soon  decayed. 

When  I  perceive  that  glory  bright 
To  fade  so  soon,  to  sink  in  night, 

And  tottering  to  the  grave : 
And  when  around  he  casts  an  eye 
On  the  cold  earth,  where  he  must  die, 

The  fate  of  e'en  the  brave. — 

The  traveller  will  come,  he  cries, 
He'll  come  who  saw  my  beauty  rise, 

And  anxiously  enquire; 
Where  is  the  bard  and  warrior  gone, 
Where  is  Fingal's  illustrious  son, 

Whither  does  he  retire. 

Then  searching  o'er  the  field  and  mead, 
He  lightly  on  my  tomb  shall  tread, 

But  me  he  ne'er  shall  find : 
Then  I,  my  friend,  like  a  true  knight, 
My  sword  shall  draw,  my  prince  to  right, 

And  ease  his  troubled  mind. 

And  this  atchieved,  with  grief  opprest, 
Could  plunge  it  deep  in  my  own  breast, 

And  eager  for  him  bleed : 
To  follow  him  now  half  divine, 
Hero  of  the  Fingalian  line, 

Who  by  my  hand  was  freed. 

Universal  Asylum  and  Columbian  Mag.,  VI -50,  Jan.  1791,  Phila. 
[Goethe,  Die  Leiden  des  jungen  Werthers.    Letter  dated  Oct.  12,  1772.] 


IN  AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  25 

AMYNTAS.      [a]. 

A  Pastoral  Fragment. 
[Prose  translation.] 

Mass.  Mag.,  IV-35I,  June  1792,  Boston. 

[S.  Gessner,  Amyntas.    "  Bei  friihem  Morgen  kam  der  arme  Amyntas.  .  .  ." 
Idyllen,  Erste  Folge.] 

PASTORAL  ECLOGUE. 
THYRSIS    AND    CHLOE. 
[Prose  translation.] 
Mass.  Mag.,  V-igs,  Apr.  1793,  Boston. 

[S.  Gessner,  Thyrsis. 

Neiv  Idylles  By  Gessner.    Trans,  by  W.  Hooper,  M.D.,  1776,  London.    P. 
25,  Thyrsis.] 

AMYNTAS. 

A  Pastoral  Fragment  from  Gessner. 
N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  IV -584,  Oct.  1793,  N.  Y. 
[Also  in  Mass.  Mag.,  IV~35i,  June  1792,  Boston.] 


THE    MORNING. 
BY  HALLER. 

The  moon  retires — Nature's  dark  veil  no  more  obscures  the  air 
and  earth — the  twinkling  stars  disappear  and  the  reviving  warmth  of 
the  sun  awakens  all  creatures. 

Already  are  the  heavens  adorned  with  its  purple  hues  and  its 
sparkling  sapphires.  Aurora,  fair  harbinger  of  the  day,  graciously 
dispenses  smiles ;  and  brightness  of  the  roses  which  wreath  her  fore 
head  dissipates  the  mists  of  night. 

The  flaming  of  the  world  advances  from  the  eastern  gate,  tri 
umphantly  treading  on  the  shining  splendours  of  the  milky  way ; 


26        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

clouds  covered  with  Heaven's  rubies,  oppose  him  with  their  lightning, 
and  a  flame  of  gold  spreads  itself  around  the  horizon. 

The  roses  open  to  salute  the  sun  with  genial  dews;  and  the  lilies 
exhale  delicious  odours  from  their  sattin'd  leaves. 

The  vigilant  hind  flies  to  the  labour-giving  field;  he  guides  with 
careful  pleasure  the  earth-piercing  plough ;  in  the  meantime  his  ears 
are  delighted  by  the  lightsome  band  of  minstrels,  which  sweeten  the 
air  and  the  woods  with  their  melodious  notes.  Thus  doth  benignant 
Heaven  lighten  the  heavy  pressure  of  toilful  industry !  O  Creator ! 
all  that  I  see  are  the  effects  of  thy  power !  thou  art  the  soul  of  nature 
and  doth  actuate  every  part!  the  stated  periods  and  glittering  ap 
pearance  of  yon  orbs,  and  the  unquenched  fires  of  the  revolving  sun, 
proceed  from  thy  hands,  and  boast  thy  impression ! 

Thou  illumest  the  solemn  moon  to  guide  us  amid  darkness ;  thou 
dost  lend  wings  to  the  unseen  wind,  and  by  night  thou  dost  enrich  the 
earth  with  fruitful  dews. 

From  the  dust  thou  hast  formed  yon  proud-topt  mountain;  from 
sand  hast  thou  produced  metals ;  thou  hast  spread  yon  firmament,  and 
thou  hast  clothed  it  with  clouds,  that  it  may  remain  unpolluted  by  the 
exploring  eye  of  man. 

Thou  hast  wonderfully  formed  the  veins  of  that  fish  which  causes 
rivers  to  overflow,  and  which  makes  whirlpools,  and  spreads  devasta 
tion  with  the  flappings  of  his  tail.  Thou  hast  built  the  elephant,  and 
thou  hast  animated  its  enormous  bulk,  that  it  resembles  a  moving 
mountain.  Thou  supportest  yon  splendid  arches  of  the  heavens 
upon  the  vast  void;  and  with  thy  word  thou  hast  produced  from 
chaos  this  wondrous  universe,  filling  it  with  order,  and  giving  it  no 
other  limit  than  its  grandeur. 

Great  God !  created  spirits  are  too  insignificant  to  raise  the  glory 
of  thy  works !  We  lose  ourselves  in  their  immensity.  To  tell  them 
one  must  resemble  thyself  on  infinity.  Humbly  contented,  I  remain 
in  my  own  prescribed  circle.  Incomprehensible  Being!  thy  re 
splendent  glories  blind  the  presuming  eye  of  man !  and  He  from 
whom  the  earth  receives  its  being,  needs  not  the  praises  of  a  worm ! 

N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  IV- 720,  Dec.  1793,  N.  Y. 
[Albrecht  von  Haller,  Morgen-Gedanken,  Den.  25,  Merz,  1725.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  27 

MORNING. 

From  Haller. 
Phila.  Minerva,  I,  May  30,  1795,  Phila. 

[Also  in  N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  IV-720,  Dec.  1793,  N.  Y.] 

TRANSLATED    POETRY. 

For  the  New-York  Magazine. 

THE    ZEPHYRS,    AN    IDYL.     [a]. 

(Translated  from  the  German  of  Gesner,  by  W.  Dunlap.) 
[Prose  translation.] 
N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  VI  -760,  Dec.  1795,  N.  Y. 

[S.  Gessner,  Die  Zephyre."} 

TRANSLATED    POETRY. 

For  the  New- York  Magazine. 

FIRST    IDYL    OF   GESNER. 

(Translated  from  the  German  by  Wm.  Dunlap.) 

DAPHNE — CHLOE. 
[Prose  translation.] 
N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  n.  s.,  p.  49,  Jan.  1796,  N.  Y. 

[S.  Gessner,  Daphne.   Chloe.    "  Sieh,  schon   steigt  der  Mond  hinter  dem 
schwarzen  Berg.  ..."    First  idyl  —  Zweite  Folge,  1772.] 

THE    OLD    MAN. 

Translated  from  the  German  of  Gessner. 
Phila.  Minerva,  I,  Jan.  16,  1796,  Phila. 

[Also  in  The  Royal  Amer.  Mag.,  p.  14,  Jan.  1774,  Boston.] 

FABLE 

Imitated  from  the  German  of  Gellert. 

While  a  nightingale  chanted  in  the  midst  of  a  forest,  the  neigh 
bouring  hills  and  vallies  were  delighted  with  her  exquisite  melody. 


28        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Every  wild  bird  forgot  to  sing,  listening  with  fond  admiration. 
Aurora  tarried  behind  the  hill,  attending  to  her  musical  cadences; 
and  Philomel,  in  honor  of  the  goddess,  warbled  with  unusual  sweet 
ness.  At  that  she  paused,  and  the  lark  took  the  opportunity  of  thus 
addressing  her;  'Your  music  meets  with  just  approbation;  the 
variety,  the  clearness,  and  tenderness  of  the  notes  are  inimitable; 
nevertheless,  in  one  circumstance  I  am  entitled  to  a  preference.  My 
melody  is  uninterrupted ;  and  every  morning  is  ushered  with  my 
gratulations.  Your  song  on  the  contrary,  is  heard  but  seldom ;  and, 
except  during  a  few  weeks  in  the  Summer,  you  have  no  claim  to 
peculiar  attention.'  '  You  have  mentioned,'  replied  the  Nightingale, 
'  the  very  cause  of  my  superior  excellence.  I  attend  to,  and  obey, 
the  dictates  of  Nature.  I  never  sing  but  by  her  incitements ;  nor 
even  yield  to  importunate,  but  uninspired  inclination.' 

Phila.  Minerva,  II,  Apr.  23,  1796,  Phila. 

[C.  F.  Gellert,  Die  Nachtigall  und  die  Lerche. 

Free  translation  of  the  first  stanza;  the  second,  containing  the  application 
of  the  fable,  omitted.] 


A    FABLE 

Imitated  from  the  German  of  Gellert. 

Clarine  loved  her  husband  with  sincere  affection — for  he  was  a 
husband  to  her  mind.  Their  desires  and  aversions  were  the  same. 
It  was  Clarine's  study  to  be  agreeable,  and  by  unwearied  attention, 
to  anticipate  her  husband's  wishes.  "  Such  a  wife,"  says  my  male 
reader,  who  has  thoughts  of  matrimony,  "  such  a  wife  would  I  desire." 
— And  such  a  wife  mayst  thou  obtain. — Clarine's  husband  fell  sick — 
a  dangerous  illness. — "  No  hope  "  said  the  physician,  and  shook  his 
awful  whig.  Bitterly  wept  Clarine.  "  O  death !"  she  cried,  "  O 
death !  might  I  prefer  a  petition  ?  Spare  my  husband ;  let  me  be  the 
victim  in  his  stead."  Death  heard,  appeared,  and  "  What,"  said 
the  grim  spectre,  "  is  thy  request?"  "  There,"  said  Clarine  sore  dis 
mayed,  "  There  he  lies ;  overcome  with  agony  he  implores  thy  speedy 
relief." 

The  Nightingale,  I -199,  June  16,  1796,  Boston. 

[C.  F.  Gellert,  Die  zartliche  Frau.    The  introductory  stanza  not  translated.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  29 

THE    LASS    OF    FAIR    WONE. 

From  the  German  of  Burger. 
Phila.  Minerva,  II,  Dec.  17,  1796,  Phila. 

[G.  A.  Burger,  Des  Pfarrers  Tochter  von  Taubenhain. 

W.  Taylor  of  Norwich,  The  Lass  of  Fair  Wone  in  the  Monthly  Magazine, 
1-223,  Apr.  1796,  London.  Also  in  Taylor's  Historic  Survey  of  German 
Poetry,  3  vols.,  1830,  London.  II -32,  under  the  title  The  Parson's  Daugh 
ter.] 

VIRTUE    REWARDED: 

A  PASTORAL  TALE. 
(From  the  German  of  Gesner). 
[Prose  translation.] 
Phila.  Minerva,  II,  Dec.  17,  1796,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Daphne. 

W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles  by  Gessner,  p.  33,  Glicera.'] 


MISCELLANEOUS. 
By  FERDINAND  WALLHIME. 

THE   WISH 

(in  imitation  of  Matthison). 
Once  more  could  I  wish,  ere  yet  my  blest  spirit 

Sunk  in  Elysium,  peaceful  mansion  of  shades ! 
That  spot  t'  revisit,  where  Infancy 

In  dreams  aerial,  play'd  'round  my  brows. 

The  shrub  of  my  country,  whose  branches  o'erspread 
The  cool  nest  of  the  patridge,  waves  gentler  my  friend, 
Than  all  the  gay  forests  of  laurel 

O'er  the  dust  of  the  world's  mighty  conq'rors. 

The  streamlet  of  that  mead,  where  in  childhood 
I  cull'd  early  violets,  more  musically  murmurs 
'Midst  the  alders  once  rear'd  by  my  sire, 
Than  the  silver  Blandusian  fountain. 


30        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  hill,  on  which  swains,  in  bands  youthful  and  gay 
Danc'd  'round  the  trunk  of  the  sweet  blossom'd  poplar, 

With  greater  rapture  inspir'd  my  heart, 
Than  Alps  dazzling  heights  in  roset  glimm'ring. 

Therefore  could  I  wish,  ere  yet  my  blest  spirit 
Sunk  in  Elysium,  peaceful  mansion  of  shades 

That  spot  t'  revisit,  where  infancy 
In  dreams  aerial,  play'd  'round  my  brows. 

Then  may  death's  smirking  genius,  of  a  sudden, 
Extinguish  life's  taper,  well  pleas'd  I'll  hasten 
To  Xenophon  and  Plato's  musing  shade 

And  to  Anacreon's  myrtle  tufted  bow'r. 
Lit.  Museum,  or  Mo.  Mag.,  p.  47,  Jan.  1797,  West-Chester. 

[F.   Matthisson,   Wunsch  an  Salis.    "  Noch  einmal  mocht'  ich,  eh  in  die 
Schattenwelt.  .  .  ."] 

BENEVOLENCE. 

A  FABLE. 

Imitated  from  the  German  of  Gellert. 
O'er  Howard's  tomb  soft  Pity  weeps, 
Bewailing  still  her  favourite's  fate; 
And  thence  the  Muse  invokes  her  aid 
Of  kindred  merit  to  relate. 

Like  him  to  sympathize  with  woe, 

Like  him  to  heal  the  broken  mind ; 
And  rear  Affliction's  drooping  head, 

Belinda's  generous  soul  inclin'd. 

But  want  of  fortune  oft,  too  oft, 

Her  charitable  views  withstood; 
For  what,  alas !   avails  the  will, 

Without  the  power  of  doing  good  ? 

Her  uncle  dies  and  leaves  his  niece 

A  clear  two  thousand  pounds  per  ann. 
"  Ah !  now,"  she  cries,  "  I'm  blest  indeed, 

"  I'll  help  the  poor  where'er  I  can." 


IN    AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  31 

Scarce  had  she  spoke,  when,  at  her  door 

An  old  decrepid  wretch  appears ; 
Bent  on  his  crutch  he  begs  an  alms, 

And  moves  her  pity  with  his  tears. 

Belinda  felt  for  his  distress, 

She  heav'd  a  sigh  and  shook  her  head ; 
Then  to  this  aged  son  of  woe 

Stretch'd  forth  a — crust  of  mouldy  bread. 

Amer.  Universal  Mag.,  1-28,  Jan.  2,  1797,  Phila. 
[C.  F.  Gellert,  Die  Gutthat.] 


PRO    PATRIA    MORI 

From  the  German  of  Burger. 
For  virtue,  freedom,  human  rights,  to  fall, 

Beseems  the  brave :  it  is  a  Saviour's  death. 
Of  heroes  only  the  most  pure  of  all, 

Thus  with  their  heart's  blood  tinge  the  battle-heath. 

And  this  proud  death  is  seemliest  in  the  man 
Who  for  a  kindred  race,  a  country  bleeds : 

Three  hundred  Spartans  from  the  shining  van 
Of  those,  whom  fame  in  this  high  triumph  leads. 

Great  is  the  death  for  a  good  prince  incurr'd ; 

Who  wields  the  sceptre  with  benignant  hand : 
Well  may  for  him  the  noble  bare  his  sword, 

Falling  he  earns  the  blessings  of  a  land. 

Death  for  a  friend,  parent,  child,  or  her  we  love, 

If  not  so  great,  is  beauteous  to  behold : 
This  the  fine  tumults  of  the  hearts  approve ; 

It  is  the  walk  to  death  unbought  of  gold. 

But  for  mere  majesty  to  meet  a  wound  — 

Who  holds  that  great  or  glorious,  he  mistakes : 

That  is  the  fury  of  the  pamper'd  hound, 
Which  envy,  anger,  or  the  whip,  awakes. 


32        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

And  for  a  tyrant's  sake  to  seek  a  jaunt 

To  hell 's  a  death  which  only  hell  enjoys ; 

Where  such  a  hero  falls  —  the  gibbet  plant, 
A  murderer's  trophy,  and  a  plunderer's  prize. 

Amer.  Universal  Mag.,  1-141,  Jan.  23,  1797,  Phila. 
[G.  A.  Burger,  Die  Tode.] 

THE   LASS    OF   FAIR    WONE. 

From  the  German  of  Burger. 
Amer.  Universal  Mag.,  I-2ii,  Feb.  6,  1797,  Phila. 

[Also  in  Phila.  Minerva,  II,  Dec.  17,  1796,  Phila.] 

THE    BROKEN    PITCHER. 

From  the  German  of  Gesner. 
[Prose  translation.] 

The  Key,  I -69,  Mar.  10,  1798,  Frederick  Town. 
[S.  Gessner,  Dcr  serbrochene  Krug.~\ 


LEONORA,     [a]. 

A  Ballad  from  Burger. 

The  following  translation  (made  some  years  since)  of  a  celebrated  piece, 
of  which  other  versions  have  appeared,  and  are  now  on  the  point  of  appear 
ing,  possesses  so  much  peculiar  charm  and  intrinsic  merit,  that  we  are  happy 
in  being  permitted  to  present  it  to  our  readers. 

[The  translation  follows.] 
Weekly  Mag.,  I-22I,  Mar.  17,  1798,  Phila. 

[G.  A.  Burger,  Lenore. 
Wm.  Taylor  of  Norwich,  Lenora. 

Mo.  Mag.  and  British  Register,  I -135,  Mar.  1769,  London. 
M.  G.  Lewis,  Talcs  of  Wonder,  1801,  London. 

The  translation  appeared  anonymously  in  the  above  mentioned,  but  was 
afterwards  printed  with  several  changes  under  the  title  Ellenore  in  Taylor's 
Historic  Survey  of  German  Poetry,  11-40. 

Also  in  Tales  of  Terror  and  Wonder,  collected  by  M.  G.  Lewis.  With  an 
introduction  by  Henry  Morley,  1887,  London.  Cf.  Preface.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  33 

TO    A    LITTLE    CHARMER. 

From  the  German  of  Lessing. 

Come  kiss  me,  little  Charmer, 

Nor  suppose  a  kiss  can  harm  you ; 
Kisses  given,  kisses  taken, 
Cannot  now  your  fears  awaken ; 
Give  me  then  a  hundred  kisses 
Number  well  those  sweetest  blisses, 
And,  on  my  life,  I  tell  you  true, 
Tenfold  I'll  repay  what's  due, 
When  to  snatch  a  kiss  is  bolder 
And  my  fair  one's  ten  years  older. 

Weekly  Mag.,  II -30,  May  5,  1798,  Phila. 
[G.  E.  Lessing,  An  eine  kleine  SchoneJ} 


For  the  Weekly  Magazine. 

THE    SWALLOW.      A    FABLE. 

(From  the  German  of  Lessing.) 

Believe  me,  my  friend,  the  great  world  is  not  suited  to  philosophers 
or  poets.  We  are  insensible  to  their  real  worth ;  and  they,  alas !  are 
often  weak  enough  to  exchange  it  for  a  mere  nothing. 

In  early  ages  the  swallow  was  as  tuneful  and  melodious  a  bird  as 
the  nightingale;  but  she  soon  became  weary  of  residing  in  solitary 
groves  to  excite  the  admiration  of  none  but  the  industrious  peasant 
and  the  innocent  shepherdess.  She  left  her  humble  friends,  and 
removed  into  town.  What  was  the  consequence?  As  the  inhabitants 
of  the  city  had  not  leisure  to  attend  to  her  divine  song,  she  gradually 
forgot  it,  and  in  its  stead  learned  to — build. 

Weekly  Mag.,  11-82,  May  12,  1798,  Phila. 
[G.  E.  Lessing,  Die  Schwalbe."} 
3 


34  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

THE    CHASE. 

By  Gottfried  Augustus  Burger. 
Weekly  Mag.,  II  -413,  July  28,  1798,  Phila. 

[G.  A.  Burger,  Der  wilde  Jager. 

Sir  Walter  Scott,  The  Wild  Huntsman.  Published  with  William  and  Helen 
in  1796  and  entitled  The  Chase. 

M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Wonder.  Entitled  The  Wild  Huntsmen.  By  Wal 
ter  Scott. 

Cf.  note  to  Leonora,  in  the  Weekly  Mag.,  1-221,  Mar.  17,  1798.] 


THE    ERL-KING. 

(The  Original  is  by  Goethe,  Author  of  Werter.) 

Who  is  it  that  rides  through  the  forest  so  fast, 

While  night  frowns  around  him,  while  chill  roars  the  blast? 

The  father,  who  holds  his  young  son  in  his  arm, 

And  close  in  his  mantle  has  wrapped  him  up  warm. 

-"Why  trembles  my  darling?    Why  shrinks  he  with  fear?" 
"  Oh  father !  my  father !  the  Erl-king  is  near ! 

The  Erl-king,  with  his  crown  and  his  beard  long  and  white ! ' 
-"  Oh !  thine  eyes  are  deceived  by  the  vapours  of  night." 

-"  If  you  will,  dear  baby,  with  me  go  away, 

I  will  give  you  fine  clothes;  we  will  play  a  fine  play; 
Fine  flowers  are  growing,  white,  scarlet  and  blue, 
On  the  banks  of  yon  river,  and  all  are  for  you." 

-"  Oh  father !  my  father !  and  dost  thou  not  hear 

What  words  the  Erl-king  whispers  low  in  mine  ear  ?  " — 

-"  Now  hush  thee,  my  darling,  thy  terrors  appease : 

Thou  hear'st  'midst  the  branches  when  murmurs  the  breeze.' 

-"  If  you  will,  dear  baby,  with  me  go  away, 

My  daughter  shall  tend  you  so  fair  and  so  gay; 
My  daughter,  in  purple  and  gold  who  is  drest, 
Shall  nurse  you,  and  kiss  you,  and  sing  you  to  rest." 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  35 

— "  Oh  father !  my  father !  and  dost  thou  not  see  ? 

The  Erl-king  and  his  daughter  are  waiting  for  me  ?  " 
— "  Now  shame  thee,  my  dearest !  'tis  fear  makes  thee  blind : 

Thou  seest  the  dark  willows  which  wave  in  the  wind." — 

— "  I  love  you !  I  dote  on  that  face  so  divine ! 

I  must  and  will  have  you,  and  force  makes  you  mine !  " 
— "  My  father !  my  father !     Oh  hold  me  now  fast ! 

He  pulls  me !  he  hurts,  and  will  have  me  at  last !  " — 

The  father,  he  trembled ;  he  doubled  his  speed : 

O'er  hills  and  through  forests  he  spurred  his  black  steed : 

But  when  he  arrived  at  his  own  castle-door, 

Life  throbbed  in  the  sweet  baby's  bosom  no  more. 

Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -93,  Aug.  18,  1798,  Phila. 

[Goethe,  Erlkonig. 

M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Wonder,  1801,  London. 

The  above  text,  however,  is  taken  from  Lewis'  Ambrosio,  or  the  Monk 
(i795),  which  has  several  variants.  The  first  Amer.  reprint  of  The  Monk 
was  taken  from  the  fourth  British  edition,  1798,  Phila.  Cf.  Preface.] 


THE    ERL-KING'S    DAUGHTER. 

(The  Original  is  Danish;  but  I  read  it  in  a  German  Translation.) 
Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -94,  Aug.  18,  1798,  Phila. 

[J.  G.  Herder,  Erlkonigs  Tochter  in  the  Fourth  Book  (Nordischc  Liedcr) 
of  Stimmen  der  Vdlker  in  Liedern.    Trans,  from  the  Danish. 
M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Wonder  and  The  Monk. 
Cf.  note  to  The  Erl-King. 
The  original  is  in  the  Kiampe  Viiser.] 


AMYNTAS,    A    PASTORAL    TALE. 

(From  the  German  of  the  celebrated  Gessner.) 
[Prose  translation.] 
Weekly  Mag.,  Ill,  347,  358,  Mar.  23,  30,  1799,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  My  con.    In  the  French  version,  entitled  Amyntas. 
W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles,  p.  18.] 


36  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

FRIENDSHIP 

Translated  from  the  German. 
Set  to  music  by  Russ. 

Sure  not  to  life's  short  span  confin'd, 
Shall  sacred  friendship  glow; 

Beyond  the  grave  the  ardent  mind, 
Its  best  delights  shall  know. 

Blest  scenes !  where  ills  no  more  annoy, 
Where  heav'n  the  flame  approves ; 

Where  beats  the  heart  to  nought  but  joy, 
And  ever  lives  and  loves. 

There  friendship's  matchless  love  shall  shine, 
(To  hearts  like  ours  so  dear!) 

There  angels  own  its  pow'r  divine ; 
Its  native  home  is  there ! 

For  here  below,  tho'  friendship's  charm 

Its  soft  delights  display ; 
Yet  souls  like  ours,  so  touch'd,  so  warm, 

Still  pant  for  brighter  day ! 

Phila.  Repos.,  I,  Appendix  (Nov.  15,  i8oo-Nov.  7,  1801),  Phila. 
[The  above  appeared  in  the  Musical  Appendix.] 


ORIGINAL    POETRY. 
LYCAS;  OR  THE  INVENTIONS  OF  GARDENS. 

Attempted  from  the  Idyls  of  Gessner. 

The  stormy  winter  drives  us  from  the  green, 
Nor  leaves  a  flower  to  decorate  the  scene ; 
The  winds  arise — with  sweep  impetuous  blow, 
And  whirl  around  the  flakes  of  fleecy  snow ; 
Yet  shall  imagination  fondly  rise 
And  gather  fair  ideas  as  she  flies : 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  37 

The  images  that  blooming  spring  pourtrays, 

The  sweets  that  bask  in  summer's  sultry  rays, 

The  rich  and  varied  fruits  of  autumn's  reign 

Shall  ope  their  treasures,  in  a  bounteous  train ; 

Of  these  the  best,  with  choicest  care  display'd, 

Shall  form  a  wreath,  for  thee,  my  lovely  maid ! 

So  the  fond  shepherd,  for  his  darling  fair, 

Culls  beauteous  flowers  to  deck  her  flowing  hair. 

The  garden's  rise  shall  grace  my  humble  strains ; 

If  Daphne  smiles  'twill  well  repay  my  pains ! 

'Twas,  in  the  morn  of  youth,  a  shepherd  found 

This  happy  art  to  decorate  the  ground ; 

This  is  the  spot,  the  enamour'd  Lycas  cries, 

Lycas  the  young,  the  gentle  and  the  wise ; 

Under  this  elm,  fair  Adelaide  first  gave 

The  kiss  of  love  to  her  devoted  slave ! 

Whilst  he,  in  am'rous  accents  told  his  flame, 

With  beating  heart  and  agitated  frame! 

Here  faint  and  weak  my  charmer  sank  to  rest, 

On  the  warm  pillow  of  my  panting  breast ! 

"  Lycas,"  with  interrupting  sobs,  she  said, 

"  Take  the  soft  secret  of  an  am'rous  maid : 

Of  all  the  swains  that  strive  this  heart  to  move, 

Tis  Lycas  only  Adelaide  can  love ! 

Ye  peaceful  groves — ye  solitary  springs  — 

To  you  I  oft  confess'd  my  secret  stings ! 

And  ye,  sweet  flowers  bear  witness  to  the  truth 

Of  the  soft  flame  that  prey'd  upon  my  youth ; 

Oft  have  your  leaves  that  round  me  clust'ring  grew, 

Drank  my  warm  tears  as  drops  of  morning  dew." 

My  heart  is  full — what  transport  is  my  own! 

For,  in  my  bosom,  love  has  fixed  his  throne. 

Sacred  to  love  this  spot  shall  ever  stand 

Deck'd  with  luxuriant  beauties  by  my  hands. 

Under  this  elm,  the  shadiest  of  the  trees, 

The  rose  shall  pour  its  odours  on  the  breeze  ; 

Around  its  trunk  the  woodbine  too  shall  rear 


38  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Its  white  and  purple  flowers  aloft  in  air. 
The  treasures  of  the  spring  shall  hither  flow ; 
The  piony  by  the  lily  here  shall  blow. 
Over  the  hills,  and  through  the  meads  I'll  roam, 
And  bring  the  blooming  spoils  in  rapture  home: 
The  purple  violet,  the  pink  shall  join, 
The  od'rous  shrubs  shall  all  their  sweets  combine, 
Of  these  a  grove  of  balmy  sort  shall  rise, 
And,  with  its  fragrant  blossoms,  scent  the  skies ! 
Then  round  this  little  favour'd  isle,  I'll  bring, 
With  gentle  windings,  yonder  silver  spring ; 
While  eglantine  and  thorn  shall  interpose 
Their  hedge,  a  rampart  'gainst  invading  foes  — 
Lest  sheep  and  rambling  goats  the  place  annoy, 
And  spoil  the  promise  of  our  future  joy. 
Oh  then  approach,  ye  favour'd  of  the  loves ! 
Come  and  dwell  here  ye  gentle  turtle  doves ! 
On  yonder  spreading  branches,  perch'd  on  high, 
With  coos  repeated  greet  the  lover's  sigh ! 
Then  sportive  sparrows  round  the  roses  play, 
And  sing,  delighted,  from  the  bending  spray ! 
Ye  butterflies,  arrayed  in  coats  of  gold, 
On  beds  of  roses  fluttering  revels  hold ! 
Here  rest,  upon  the  lily's  waving  stalk, 
And  add  new  beauty  to  the  evening  walk. 
Then  shall  the  shepherd  passing,  free  from  care, 
When  zephyr  spreads  the  perfumes  thro'  the  air, 
Inhale  the  fragrance,  and  with  transport  cry, 
What  hallow'd  place  is  this  ?  what  goddess  nigh  ? 
Does  Venus  own  this  gay,  enchanted  place? 
Or  has  Diana,  wearied  in  the  chace, 
Chosen  a  spot  where  choicest  sweets  abound, 
To  slumber  on  the  consecrated  ground  ? 

P.  D. 
Port  Folio,  I-S4,  Feb.  14,  1801,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Lycas,  oder  die  Erfindung  der  Garten.'} 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  39 

For  the  Port  Folio. 

MYRTILLO. 

An  idyl,  attempted  from  the  German  of  Gessner. 
At  peaceful  eve,  Myrtillo  sought  the  lake, 
Whilst  the  moon's  beams  upon  its  bosom  played ; 
The  silent  tract,  illumin'd  by  its  rays, 
The  nightingale's  enchanting  tender  note, 
Had  held  him  bound  in  rapture's  soothing  trance. 
At  length,  arous'd,  he  homeward  took  his  steps, 
And  in  the  verdant  bower,  where  clust'ring  vines 
Before  his  lonely  dwelling  formed  a  porch 
Of  simple  structure,  deeply  slumbering  found 
His  venerable  parent  —  his  grey  head 
Supported  by  his  arm,  while  through  the  leaves 
The  moon-beams  pour'd  their  lustre  on  his  face. 
With  arms  enfolded,  and  with  swelling  heart, 
He  stood  before  his  father — long  he  stood, 
His  pious  eyes  fix'd  fondly  on  the  sage, 
Then  rais'd  them,  swimming  with  his  filial  tears, 
And  thro'  the  illumin'd  leaves  look'd  up  to  heaven, 
Whilst  grateful  drops  roll'd  down  his  moisten'd  cheek. 
Oh  thou !  at  length  he  cried,  whom,  next  the  gods, 
I  reverence,  my  father  —  ah,  how  soft 
Thy  peaceful  slumbers !  Of  the  just  and  good 
How  placid  is  the  sleep !  Thy  tottering  steps 
Were,  doubtless,  hither  bent,  in  silent  prayer 
To  spend  the  hour  of  eve ;  but,  at  thy  task 
Of  duty,  slumber  seiz'd  thee,  whilst,  for  me, 
Thy  prayer  of  love  was  wing'd  into  the  skies, 
How  happy  is  my  lot !  the  fav'ring  gods 
Must  hear  thy  fond  petition ;  else,  why  stands 
Our  cot  secure,  amid  the  branches,  bent 
With  ripening  fruit  ?  why,  else,  such  blessings  shower'd 
Upon  our  healthy,  fast  increasing  herd  ? 
Upon  the  golden  produce  of  our  fields  ? 
When  oft  the  tear  of  joy  bedew'd  thy  cheek, 
To  see  me,  anxious,  cherish  and  support 
Thy  feeble  age ;  when,  towards  the  vault  of  heaven, 


40         TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

You  turn'd  your  swimming  eyes,  and  blest  your  son ; 
Ah  !  then,  what  words  his  blessings  could  express ! 
My  bosom  swell'd  with  transport,  and  the  tears 
O'erflow'd  my  glowing  cheeks  — 
When  yester  morn,  reclining  on  my  arm, 
You  left  our  cot  to  feel  the  quickening  beams 
Of  the  warm  sun,  and  saw  about  thee  sport 
The  frolic  herd,  the  trees,  with  fruit  o'ercharg'd, 
And  all  the  fertile  country  blooming  round, 
"  My  hairs  grow  grey  in  peace,"  were  then  thy  words 
"  Fields  of  my  youth,  be  ever,  ever  blest ! 
"  My  eyes,  grow  dim,  shall  not  much  longer  view 
"  Your  heart-delighting  scenes,  for  happier  plains 
"  Must  I  exchange  you — plains  beyond  the  skies." 
Ah,  father,  best  belov'd,  must  I  so  soon 
Lose  thee !  my  nearest  friend !  —  distressing  thought ! 
Close  to  thy  tomb,  with  filial  love,  I'll  raise 
A  modest  altar,  and  with  ardour  seek 
Each  blest  occasion  to  relieve  the  woes 
Of  the  oppressed  and  wretched ;  on  each  day, 
That  gives  the  happy  chance  of  doing  good, 
I'll  pour  sweet  milk  upon  a  parent's  grave, 
And  strew  with  flowers  the  ever  sacred  spot — 
He  paus'd  but  kept  his  eyes,  suffus'd  with  tears, 
Fix'd  on  the  good  old  man ;  then,  sighing ;  said, 
How  still  he  lies,  and  smiles  amidst  his  slumbers ! 
Some  of  his  virtuous  deeds  must  hover  o'er, 
In  peaceful  dreams,  and  fill  his  cheerful  soul ; 
Whilst  the  moon  pours  her  rays  upon  his  bare 
And  shining  temples,  and  his  silver  beard ; 
Oh  may  the  breeze,  and  dewy  damps  of  eve  — 
Do  thee  no  harm.     Then  gently  did  he  kiss 
His  aged  forehead,  gently  wak'd  him  up, 
And  led  him  to  his  cot,  in  lighter  sleep, 
On  softest  furs,  to  slumber  out  the  night. 

—  P.  D. 
Port  Folio,  1-70,  Feb.  28,  1801,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  41 

For  the  Port  Folio. 

MYRTIL    AND    DAPHNE 

An  Idyl. 

Attempted  from   Gessner. 
MYRTIL. 

Whither  so  early  sister,  ere  the  sun, 

Has,  from  behind  yon  hill,  his  course  begun  ? 

Scarce  has  the  swallow  to  the  morning  ray, 

Ventur'd  to  modulate  his  twittering  lay. 

The  early  cock,  whom  richest  plumes  adorn 

Has  yet  but  faintly  hail'd  the  golden  morn ; 

Whilst  thou,  to  some  unknown  attraction  true, 

With  hasty  footsteps  brush  the  silv'ry  dew ! 

What  festival  to-day,  do  you  prepare, 

For  fill'd  with  flowers,  your  basket  scents  the  air. 

DAPHNE. 

Welcome  dear  brother,  whither  points  thy  way, 
Amidst  the  chilly  damps  of  early  day? 
On  what  fair  purpose  from  yon  new  form'd  bower, 
Hast  thou  come  forth  at  twilight's  silent  hour  ? 
For  me  —  I've  pluck'd  the  violet  and  the  rose, 
And  sought  each  flower  that  round  our  cottage  grows. 
Whilst  o'er  our  parents  gentle  slumbers  spread 
Their  wings,  I'll  strew  them  on  their  peaceful  bed; 
Then  when  the  sunbeams  gild  the  glowing  skies 
Midst  fragrant  scents,  they'll  ope  their  aged  eyes ; 
Their  hearts  shall  then  with  pious  joy  rebound, 
To  find  the  blooming  flowers,  clust'ring  round. 

MYRTIL. 

My  best  belov'd,  not  life  itself  can  prove, 
Pleasing  to  me  without  a  sister's  love. 
For  me,  dear  girl,  when  yester  eve  we  met, 
Just  as  the  sun  had  made  a  golden  set, 
Our  parent,  resting  on  our  fav'rite  hill, 


42        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Whilst  we  with  fond  attention  watch'd  his  will ; 
"  How  sweet  (he  cried)  on  yonder  spot  to  rear, 
A  shady  bower  to  rest  in,  free  from  care !" 
I  heard  his  wish  as  though  I  heard  it  not, 
Yet  kept  my  thoughts  fix'd  firmly  on  the  spot, 
And  ere  her  early  beams  Aurora  sent, 
My  hasty  steps  toward  the  hill  I  bent, 
And  rear'd  the  bower  and  to  its  verdant  side, 
The  waving,  hazle  branches,  closely  tied ; 
See,  sister,  see,  the  work  at  length  is  done ; 
Betray  me  not  till  I've  his  blessing  won, 
Till  he  himself  shall  thither  bend  his  way ; 
Ah,  then,  with  joy  we'll  celebrate  the  day. 

DAPHNE. 

How  grateful,  brother,  will  be  his  surprize, 
When  first  the  distant  bower  shall  greet  his  eyes ! 
But  let  me  haste  and  gently  o'er  their  bed, 
My  morning  offering  of  fragrance  spread. 

MYRTIL. 

When  they  shall  wake  amid  the  fragrant  pile, 
They'll  greet  each  other  with  a  tender  smile; 
And  say,  this  is  our  Daphne's  work,  sweet  child ; 
Thus  has  our  love  the  morning  hours  beguil'd. 
For  our  delight,  how  tender  'tis  to  keep 
A  studious  care  whilst  we  were  lock'd  in  sleep. 

DAPHNE. 

Yes,  brother,  when  at  his  accustomed  hour, 
Opening  his  casement  he  shall  view  thy  bower, 
"  Sure  (he'll  exclaim)  I  do  not  see  aright, 
Or  on  yon  hill  an  arbor  greets  my  sight ; 
Yes,  that  is  Myrtil's  work, —  for  this  bereft 
Of  his  sweet  sleep,  his  nightly  couch  he  left : 
Such  are  the  plans,  his  filial  thoughts  engage, 
And  thus  he  soothes  our  fast  declining  age." 
And  when  with  joy  we'll  greet  the  morning  ray, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  43 

With  joy  we'll  celebrate  the  happy  day, 
Each  work  to-day  commenc'd  shall  prosper  well, 
And  peace  and  joy  in  every  grove  shall  dwell. 

P.  D. 
Port  Folio,  I -80,  Mar.  7,  1801,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Mirtil  und  Daphne."] 


TRANSLATION    FROM    THE    IDYLS    OF 
GESSNER. 

Delia!  when  in  your  lover's  eyes, 
At  your  approach  soft  lustre  rise, 
When  with  charm'd  ear,  from  thy  sweet  tongue, 
He  listens  to  the  thrilling  song, 
O'er  saddest  scenes  delights  you  fling, 
And  winter  wears  the  smile  of  spring. 

When  o'er  the  mead  with  you  I  stray, 
More  fragrant  is  the  new-mown  hay, 
When  gath'ring  flow'rets  at  your  side, 
The  buds  more  vivid  swell  with  pride, 
And  bend,  your  snowy  hand  to  meet, 
Or  am'rous  twine  beneath  your  feet. 

But  when  within  your  arms  you  press  me, 
When  with  a  long,  long  kiss  you  bless  me, 
Ah !   then  in  vain,  the  fairest  flow'rs 
Exert  their  balmy-breathing  pow'rs; 
In  vain  her  sweets  does  Nature  bring, 
In  vain  she  wears  the  smile  of  spring. 

Then  Delia !  nought  on  earth  but  thee, 
My  ravish'd  senses  feel  or  see, 
With  Love's  wild  frenzy  then  possessed, 
My  trembling  heart  beats  'gainst  thy  breast, 
Then  fondly  sink,  o'erpower'd  with  bliss, 
Only  alive  to  Delia's  kiss. 

Q.V. 
Port  Folio,  1-87,  Mar.  14,  1801,  Phila. 


44  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

LEONORA.      [ft]. 

A  Tale,  from  the  German. 

"  Ah,  William !   art  them  false  or  dead  ?" 
Cried  Leonora  from  her  bed. 

"  I  dreamt  thou'dst  ne'er  return." 
William  had  fought  in  Frederick's  host 
At  Prague  —  and  what  his  fate — if  lost 

Or  false,  she  could  not  learn. 

Hungaria's  queen  and  Prussia's  king, 
Wearied,  at  length  with  bickering, 

Resolv'd  to  end  the  strife ; 
And  homewards,  then,  their  separate  routs 
The  armies  took,  with  songs  and  shouts, 

With  cymbals,  drum  and  fife. 

As  deck'd  with  boughs  they  march'd  along, 
From  every  door,  the  old  and  young 

Rush'd  forth  the  troops  to  greet. 
"  Thank  God,"  each  child  and  parent  cry'd, 
And  "  welcome,  welcome,"  many  a  bride, 

As  friends  long  parted  meet. 

They  joy'd,  poor  Leonora  griev'd : 
No  kiss  she  gave,  no  kiss  receiv'd ; 

Of  William  none  could  tell ; 
She  rung  her  hands,  and  tore  her  hair  ; 
Till  left  alone  in  deep  despair, 

Bereft  of  sense,  she  fell. 

Swift  to  her  aid  her  mother  came, 

"  Ah !   say,"  cried  she,  "  in  mercy's  name, 

"  What  means  this  frantic  grief  ?" 
"  Mother  'tis  past — all  hopes  are  fled, 
"  God  hath  no  mercy,  William's  dead, 

"  My  woe  is  past  relief." 

"  Pardon,  O  pardon,  Lord  above ! 

"  My  child,  with  pray'rs  invoke  his  love, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  45 

"  The  Almighty  never  errs  ?" 
"  O,  mother !  mother !  idle  prate, 
"  Can  he  be  anxious  for  my  fate, 

"  Who  never  heard  my  prayers  ?" 

"  Be  patient  child,  in  God  believe, 
"  The  good  he  can,  and  will  relieve, 

"  To  trust  his  power  endeavour." 
"  O,  mother !  mother !  all  is  vain, 
"  What  trust  can  bring  to  life  again? 

"  The  past,  is  past  for  ever." 

"  Who  knows,  but  that  he  yet  survives ; 
"  Perchance,  far  off  from  hence  he  lives, 

"  And  thinks  no  more  of  you. 
"  Forget,  forget,  the  faithless  youth, 
"  Away  with  grief,  your  sorrow  soothe, 

"  Since  William  proves  untrue." 

"  Mother,  all  hope  has  fled  my  mind, 
"  The  past,  is  past,  our  God's  unkind ; 

"  Why  did  he  give  me  breath  ? 
"  Oh  that  this  hated  loathsome  light 
"  Would  fade  for  ever  from  my  sight, 

"  Come,  death,  come,  welcome  death !" 

"  Indulgent  Father,  spare  my  child, 
"  Her  agony  hath  made  her  wild, 

"  She  knows  not  what  she  does. 
"  Daughter,  forget  thy  earthly  love, 
"  Look  up  to  him  who  reigns  above, 

"  Where  joys  succeed  to  woes." 

"  Mother  what  now  are  joys  to  me? 

"  With  William,  Hell  a  Heaven  could  be, 

"  Without  him,  Heaven  a  Hell. 
"  Fade,  fade  away,  thou  hated  light, 
"  Death  bear  me  hence  to  endless  night, 

"  With  love  all  hope  farewell." 


46        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Thus  rashly,  Leonora  strove 

To  doubt  the  truth  of  heavenly  love. 

She  wept,  and  beat  her  breast ; 
She  pray'd  for  death,  until  the  moon 
With  all  the  stars  with  silence  shone, 

And  sooth'd  the  world  to  rest. 

When,  hark !   without,  what  sudden  sound ! 
She  hears  a  trampling  o'er  the  ground, 

Some  horseman  must  be  near ! 
He  stops,  he  rings,  Hark !  as  the  noise 
Dies  soft  away,  a  well-known  voice 

Thus  greets  her  list'ning  ear. 

"Wake,  Leonora; — dost  thou  sleep, 
"  Or  thoughtless  laugh,  or  constant  weep, 

"  Is  William  welcome  home?" 
"Dear  William,  you!  —  return'd,  and  well! 
"  I've  wak'd  and  wept — but  why,  ah!   tell, 

"So  late — at  night  you  come?" 

"  At  midnight  only  dare  we  roam, 

"  For  thee  from  Prague,  though  late,  I  come." 

"  For  me!  —  stay  here  and  rest; 
"  The  wild  winds  whistle  o'er  the  waste, 
"  Ah,  dear  William !  why  such  haste  ? 

"  First  warm  thee  in  my  breast." 

"  Let  the  winds  whistle  o'er  the  waste, 
"  My  duty  bids  me  be  in  haste ; 

"  Quick,  mount  upon  my  steed : 
"  Let  the  winds  whistle  far  and  wide, 
"  Ere  morn,  two  hundred  leagues  we'll  ride, 

"  To  reach  our  marriage  bed." 

"  What,  William !    for  a  bridal  room, 
"  Travel  to  night  so  far  from  home?" 

"  Leonora,  'tis  decreed. 

"  Look  round  thee,  love,  the  moon  shines  clear, 
"  The  dead  ride  swiftly ;  never  fear, 

"  We'll  reach  our  marriage  bed." 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  47 

"  Ah,  William  !  whither  would'st  thou  speed, 
"What!   where!   this  distant  marriage  bed?" 

"  Leonora,  no  delay. 

"  Tis  far  from  hence;  still  —  cold  —  and  small: 
"  Six  planks,  no  more,  compose  it  all ; 

"  Our  guests  await,  away !" 

She  lightly  on  the  courser  sprung, 

And  her  white  arms  round  William  flung, 

Like  to  a  lily  wreath. 
In  swiftest  gallop  off  they  go, 
The  stones  and  sparks  around  them  throw, 

And  pant  the  way  for  breath. 

The  objects  fly  on  every  side, 
The  bridges  thunder  as  they  ride ; 

"  Art  thou  my  love  afraid  ? 
"  Death  swiftly  rides,  the  moon  shines  clear, 
"  The  dead  doth  Leonora  fear  ?" 

"  Ah,  no !   why  name  the  dead  ?" 

Hark !   as  their  rapid  course  they  urge, 
A  passing  bell,  a  solemn  dirge; 

Hoarse  ravens  join  the  strain. 
They  see  a  coffin  on  a  bier, 
A  priest  and  mourners  too  appear, 

Slow  moving  o'er  the  plain. 

And  sad  was  heard  the  funeral  lay ; 
"  What  the  Lord  gives,  he  takes  away ; 

"  Life's  but  a  fleeting  shade. 
"  A  tale  that's  told, — a  flower  that  falls ; 
"  Death,  when  the  least  expected,  calls, 

"  And  bears  us  to  his  bed." 

"Forbear;" — imperious  William  cry'd 
"  I  carry  home,  a  beauteous  bride, 

"  Come,  to  our  marriage  feast ; 
"  Mourners,  away,  we  want  your  song ; 
"  And  as  we  swiftly  haste  along, 

"  Give  us  your  blessing,  priest. 


48  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

"  Sing  on,  that  life  is  like  a  shade ; 

"  A  tale  that's  told,  or  flowers  which  fade : 

"  Such  strains  will  yield  delight. 
"  And,  when  we  to  our  chamber  go, 
"  Bury  your  dead,  with  wail  and  woe ; 

"  The  service  suits  the  night." 

While  William  speaks,  they  silent  stand, 
Then  run  obedient  to  command, 

But,  on  with  furious  bound, 
The  foaming  courser  forward  flew, 
Fire  and  stones  his  heels  pursue, 

Like  whirlwinds  dash'd  around. 

On  right  and  left,  on  left  and  right, 

Trees,  hills,  and  towns  flew  past  their  sight, 

As  on  they  breathless  prest ; 
"  With  the  bright  moon,  like  death  we  speed, 
"  Doth  Leonora  fear  the  dead  ?" 

"  Ah !  leave  the  dead  at  rest." 

Behold,  where  in  the  moon's  pale  beam, 
As  wheels  and  gibbets  faintly  gleam, 

Join'd  hand  in  hand,  a  crowd 
Of  imps  and  spectres  hover  nigh, 
Or  round  a  wasted  wretch  they  fly, 

When  William  calls  aloud: 

"  Hither,  ye  airy  rabble,  come, 

"  And  follow  till  I  reach  my  home ; 

"  We  want  a  marriage  dance." 
As  when  the  leaves  on  wither'd  trees, 
Are  rustled  by  an  edying  breeze, 

The  muttering  sprites  advance. 

But,  soon  with  hurried  steps,  the  crew 
Rush'd  prattling  on,  for  William  flew, 

Clasp'd  by  the  frighted  fair : 
Swifter  than  shafts,  or  than  the  wind, 
While  struck  from  earth  fire  flash'd  behind, 

Like  lightnings  through  the  air. 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  49 

Not  only  flew  the  landscape  by, 
The  clouds  and  stars  appear'd  to  fly. 

"  Thus  over  hills  and  heath 
"  We  ride  like  death ;  say,  lovely  maid, 
"  By  moon-light  dost  thou  fear  the  dead  ?" 

"  Ah  !    speak  no  more  of  death." 

"The  cock  hath  crow'd — Away!   away! 
"  The  sand  ebbs  out :   I  scent  the  day. 

"  On !  on !  away  from  here ! 
"  Soon  must  our  destin'd  course  be  run, 
"The  dead  ride  swift, —  hurrah!   'tis  done, 

"  The  marriage  bed  is  near." 

High  grated  iron  doors,  in  vain 
Barr'd  their  way. —  With  lessened  rein 

Whil'st  William  urg'd  the  steed, 
He  struck  the  bolts;  —  they  open  flew, 
A  churchyard  drear  appear'd  in  view ; 

Their  path  was  o'er  the  dead. 

As  now,  half  veil'd  by  clouds,  the  moon 
With  feebler  ray,  o'er  objects  shone, 

Where  tombstones  faint  appear, 
A  grave  new  dug  arrests  the  pair, 
Cry'd  William,  and  embrac'd  the  fair, 

"  Our  marriage  bed  is  here." 

Scarce  had  he  spoke,  when,  dire  to  tell, 
His  flesh  like  touchwood  from  him  fell, 

His  eyes  forsook  his  head. 
A  skull,  and  naked  bones  alone, 
Supply  the  place  of  William  gone, 

'Twas  Death  that  clasp'd  the  maid. 

Wild,  snorting  fire,  the  courser  rear'd, 
As  wrapp'd  in  smoke  he  disappear'd, 

Poor  Leonora  fell ; 
The  hideous  spectres  hover  round, 
Deep  groans  she  hears  from  under  ground, 

And  fiends  ascend  from  hell. 


50  TRANSLATIONS    OF   GERMAN    POETRY 

They  dance,  and  say,  in  dreadful  howl, 
"  She  asks  no  mercy  for  her  soul ; 

"  Her  earthly  course  is  done. 
"  When  mortals,  rash  and  impious !  dare 
"  Contend  with  God,  and  court  despair, 

"  We  claim  them  as  our  own." 

"  Yet,"  thus  was  heard,  in  milder  strains, 
"  Call  on  the  Lord,  while  life  remains, 

"  Unite  your  heart  to  his ; 
"  When  man  repents  and  is  resign'd, 
"  God  loves  to  soothe  his  surFring  mind, 

"  And  grant  him  future  bliss." 

"  We  claim  as  ours,  who  impious  dare 
"  Contend  with  God,  and  court  despair;" 

Again  the  spectres  cry'd. 
"  Fate  threats  in  vain,  when  man's  resign'd, 
"  God  loves  to  soothe  the  sufTring  mind," 

The  gentler  voice  reply'd. 

Leonora,  e'er  her  sense  was  gone, 

Thus  faint  exclaim'd, — "  thy  Will  be  done, 

"  Lord,  let  thy  anger  cease." 
Soft  on  the  wind  was  borne  the  pray'r ; 
The  spectres  vanish'd  into  air, 

And  all  was  hush'd  in  peace. 

Now  redd'ning  tints  the  skies  adorn, 
And  streaks  of  gold,  proclaim  the  morn ; 

The  night  is  chas'd  away. 
The  sun  ascends,  new  warmth  he  gives, 
New  hope,  new  joy;  all  nature  lives, 

And  hails  the  glorious  day. 

No  more  are  dreadful  fantoms  near ; 
Love  and  his  smiling  train,  appear; 

They  cull  each  sweetest  flow'r, 
To  scatter  o'er  the  path  of  youth, 
To  deck  the  bridal  bed,  when  Truth 

And  Beauty  own  their  pow'r. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  51 

Ah, — could  your  pow'r  avert  the  blast 
Which  threatens  Bliss! — could  passion  last! 

Ye  dear  enchanters  tell ; 
What  purer  joy  could  Heaven  bestow, 
Than  when  with  shar'd  affection's  glow 

Our  panting  bosoms  swell? 

Sweet  spirits  wave  the  airy  wand, 
Two  faithful  hearts  your  care  demand ; 

Lo  !  bounding  o'er  the  plain, 
Led  by  your  charm,  a  youth  returns ; 
With  hope,  his  breast  impatient  burns ; 

Hope  is  not  always  vain. 

"Wake,  Leonora!  —  wake  to  Love! 
For  thee,  his  choicest  wreath  he  wove ;" 

Death  vainly  aim'd  his  Dart. 
The  Past  was  all  a  dream ;  she  woke  — 
He  lives; — 'twas  William's  self  who  spoke, 

And  clasp'd  her  to  his  Heart. 
Balto.  Weekly  Mag.,  1-280,  Apr.  29,  1801,  Balto. 

[G.   A.   Burger,  Lenore.    The  last  eight  stanzas  are  an  invention  of  the 
translator.] 


For  the  Portfolio. 
Mr.  Old  School, 

If  you  permit  a  truant  to  peep  into  your  literary  seminary,  he  will  venture 
to  present  you  with  the  inclosed  hastily  written  lines,  as  a  peace  offering;  but 
shall  not  be  irritated  beyond  measure,  should  you  choose  to  convert  it  into  a 
burnt  offering,  as  a  just  punishment  for  time  mispent. 
At  any  rate,  the  sentence  you  shall  pass,  shall  not  be  appealed  from. 

Your  sincere  well-wisher, 

The  Author. 


DAMON    AND    DAPHNE,    AN    IDYLL, 

(Matrimonial,) 
Attempted  from  Gessner. 

DAMON. 

The  gloomy  tempest,  Daphne,  has  blown  o'er, 
The  thunder's  awful  voice  is  heard  no  more ; 


52  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Tremble  not  then,  my  girl,  the  lightning's  blaze 
Through  the  dark  cloud,  no  longer  darts  its  rays. 
Let  us  this  arbour  leave,  the  blue  sky  greet, 
For,  see,  the  sheep  that  sought  this  safe  retreat, 
Now  from  their  fleeces  shake  the  drops  of  rain, 
And  spread  them  o'er  the  bright'ning  mead  again, 
Let  us  then  leave  this  fav'rite  shelt'ring  bower, 
To  taste  the  beauties  of  this  balmy  hour; 
To  view  the  sunbeams  gild  the  moisten'd  ground, 
And  throw  their  rich  and  radiant  glory  round. 
As  from  the  grotto,  hand  in  hand  they  past, 
The  gentle  Daphne  on  her  partner  cast 
Her  swimming  eyes,  pressing  his  honest  hand. 

DAPHNE. 

How  lovely  looks  the  gay,  the  smiling  land, 
She  said ;  while  through  the  scattering  cloud  appears 
The  blue  sky,  dissipating  all  our  fears. 
The  clouds,  as  through  the  air  they  quickly  pass, 
Hurry  their  shadows  o'er  the  glist'ning  grass. 
See,  Damon,  now,  o'er  yonder  hill  they  throw 
Their  shade  o'er  herds  and  cottages,  and  lo ! 
They're  flown,  and  while  o'er  flowery  meads  they  run, 
The  hill's  again  illumin'd  by  the  sun. 

DAMON. 

The  rainbow  view,  from  hill  to  hill  expand, 
Its  radiant  arches  o'er  the  laughing  land; 
'Midst  the  grey  cloud,  a  happy  omen  shows ; 
With  peace  and  safety  every  colour  glows : 
The  quiet  valley  smiles  beneath  its  beams, 
And  owns  its  beauties  in  her  gliding  streams. 
Daphne  with  gentle  arm  embrac'd  her  swain ; 
And  cried ; 

DAPHNE. 

See  balmy  zephyrs  breathe  again; 
More  cheerful  with  the  flowers  they  sport  and  play, 
Dress'd  by  the  drops  of  rain  and  light  of  day. 
The  butterflies,  in  richest  coats  array'd, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  53 

And  fluttering  insects  joy  to  leave  the  shade, 
Their  velvet  wings  in  quick  vibrations  shake, 
While  on  the  surface  of  the  neighbouring  lake, 
Of  shrubs  and  willows,  wash'd  from  every  stain, 
The  trembling  branches  glitter  once  again; 
Again  the  peasant  in  its  bosom  sees 
The  heaven's  blue  concave  and  the  spreading  trees. 

DAMON. 

Daphne,  embrace  me  with  thy  circling  arms, 
What  sacred  joy  my  swelling  bosom  warms, 
Where'er  we  turn  what  glories  meet  our  eyes, 
What  unexhausted  springs  of  rapture  rise. 
From  the  least  plant  to  the  bright  star  of  day, 
That  kindles  nature  with  its  quickening  ray, 
All,  all,  our  admiration  ought  to  raise, 
And  tune  our  voices  to  the  notes  of  praise ! 
How  my  heart  swells,  when  from  yon  mountain's  brow, 
I  view  the  spreading  country  stretch'd  below. 
Or,  when  amid  the  grass,  in  rural  ease, 
Laying  my  limbs  beneath  the  branching  trees, 
I  contemplate  the  various  flowers  and  plants, 
And  their  minutely  fine  inhabitants. 
Or  when  amid  the  solemn  hours  of  night, 
I  view  the  stars  adorn  the  heavens  with  light ; 
The  grateful  changes  of  the  seasons  trace, 
The  progress  of  the  vegetable  race. 
When  all  these  wonders  thro'  my  senses  roll, 
They  fill  with  purest  awe  my  swelling  soul ; 
Thoughts  urge  on  thoughts  in  quick  successive  birth, 
Weeping,  I  kneel  to  him  who  made  the  earth ; 
To  him,  my  admiration  I  confess, 
Father  of  light,  of  life,  of  every  bliss : 
Nought  then  my  soul  with  equal  joy  can  move, 
Save  the  delight  to  know  my  Daphne's  love. 

DAPHNE. 

Damon,  around  me  also  wonders  rise, 
And  fill  my  bosom  with  a  sweet  surprize. 


54  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Oh  let  us  then,  lock'd  in  a  soft  embrace, 
When  Morn  approaching  lifts  her  ruddy  face, 
When  gentle  Eve  her  milder  beauties  shows, 
Or  moonlight  through  the  air  its  radiance  throws, 
Thus  let  our  thoughts  upon  such  objects  rest, 
Whilst  to  each  others  beating  bosoms  prest, 
In  broken  accents  we  our  wonder  own, 
And  turn  our  minds  tow'rds  heaven's  eternal  throne. 
How  inexpressible  is  the  delight, 

When  transports  such  as  these,  with  tend'rest  love  unite. 

P.  D. 
Port  Folio,  1-171,  May  30,  1801,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Damon.  Daphne.'] 


For  the  Port  Folio. 

THE    FLY,    A   FABLE. 

From  the  German  of  Gellert. 
That  insects  think,  as  well  as  speak, 
Needs,  at  this  day,  small  eloquence  to  show ; 
Esop,  whom  even  children  prize  in  Greek, 
Affirm'd  as  much,  some  thousand  years  ago. 
Fontaine,  in  French,  asserted  just  the  same ; 
Who  then  shall  dare  deny  the  reptile  claim 
To  faculties,  the  world  esteems  so  low, 
As  scarce  to  notice,  if  you  think  or  no  ? 

Within  a  temple,  where  the  builder's  art, 
Grandeur  and  elegance  at  once  had  join'd; 
While  due  proportion,  reign'd  in  every  part, 
And  simple  grace,  with  solid  strength  combin'd. 
In  such  a  temple's  wall,  sat  perch'd  on  high, 
A  solemn,  thoughtful,  philosophic  fly. 
For  flies,  an  air  so  grave,  of  wisdom  take, 
And  on  one  leg,  the  head  will  often  hold, 
And  into  wrinkles,  oft  the  forehead  fold, 
Only  because  they  deep  reflection's  make ; 
And  to  the  bottom  dive  to  know, 
The  source  of  all  things  here  below. 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  55 

Thus  then,  involv'd  in  contemplation  deep, 

With  half  a  dozen  wrinkles  on  his  brow, 

This  fly  began,  around  himself  to  peep, 

And  question  whence  the  building  rose,  and  how  ? 

No  maker  of  this  work  can  I  perceive, 

Quoth  he — and  that  there  is  one,  scarce  believe; 

For  who  should  such  a  maker  be  ? 

"  Art,"  said  a  spider  sage.     "  Art  built  the  work  you  see, 
For,  wheresoever  turns  your  eye, 
Fix'd  laws,  and  order  you  descry ; 
And  hence,  a  fair  conclusion  grows, 
That  from  the  hand  of  Art,  the  building  rose." 

At  this  the  fly,  in  his  conceptions  proud, 
Laugh'd  out  aloud, 
And  with  a  sneer  of  scorn,  replied  — 

"  Most  learned  sir,  I  oft  have  tried, 
At  this  same  Art  to  get  a  sight, 
But  never  on  him  yet  could  light ; 
And  now,  the  more  I  think,  the  more  I  find, 
Your  Art  is  but  a  fiction  of  the  mind. 

Now  learn  from  me  how  this  same  temple  grew : 
Once  on  a  time,  it  so  by  chance  befel 
That  pebbles  numberless  together  flew, 
And  settling,  form'd  this  hollow  shell, 
Where  you,  and  I,  friend  spider,  dwell ; 
Say,  what  can  be  more  evidently  true  ?" 

A  fly,  for  such  a  system,  we  forgive; 
But  if  great  geniuses  should  live, 
Who  deem  this  world's  well-order'd  frame, 
Sprung  from  blind  accident  alone, 
And  chance,  as  author  of  their  lives  proclaim, 
Rather  than  bow  to  God's  eternal  throne, 
The  sole  excuse  a  creed,  like  this  admits, 
Is,  that  its  votaries  have  lost  their  wits. 

L. 
Port  Folio,  I-IQ2,  June  13,  1801,  Phila. 

[C.  F.  Gellert,  Die  Fliege.-} 


56        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

For  the  Port  Folio. 

THE    SUICIDE. 

From  the  German  of  Gellert. 
Oh,  youth,  from  what  I  now  relate, 

While  gentle  tears  bedew  your  eyes, 
Lament  the  lover's  hapless  fate, 

And  learn,  what  woes  from  love  arise. 

A  youth  of  exemplary  worth, 

The  comfort  of  his  aged  sire, 
Whose  virtues,  early  bursting  forth, 

The  fairest  hopes  might  well  inspire. 

By  beauty's  potent  charms  subdued, 

For  Chloe  felt  a  tender  pain ; 
Her  equal  love  with  ardour  sued, 

But  found  his  fond  entreaties  vain. 

While  at  her  feet  he  pleads  his  flame, 

The  cruel  Chloe  bids  him  fly ; 
Yes  !  cried  he,  yes !  insulting  dame, 

You  never  more  shall  hear  me  sigh. 

Then,  on  his  sword,  his  hand  he  lays, 

While  wild  despair  his  gestures  breathe ; 
Draws  it — the  deadly  point  surveys, 
And  thrusts  it — back  into  its  sheath. 

U. 
Port  Folio,  I-IQ2,  June  13,  1801,  Phila. 

[C.  F.  Gellert,  Der  Selbstmord.] 


FROM    THE   GERMAN. 

While  yon  enlivening  orb  of  day 
To  William  yields  its  light, 

He  to  no  other  lass  will  stray 
Nor  faithful  Anna  slight. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  57 

Thus  Will  to  Nance,  with  ardour,  said; 

And  kept  his  word,  I  ween, 
Nor,  till  the  sun  had  gone  to  bed, 

Met  Sophy  on  the  green. 

Port  Folio,  I-28o,  Aug.  29,  1801,  Phila. 

For  the  Port  Folio. 

FROM    THE    GERMAN    OF   GELLERT. 
THE    DANCING    BEAR 

A  Fable. 

A  bear,  who  long  had  danced  for  bread, 
One  morning  from  his  keeper  fled ; 
Back  to  his  native  woods  retreated, 
And,  by  his  brother  brutes,  was  kindly  greeted : 
Their  joy  to  see  him  made  the  forest  roar, 
They  lick'd  his  chaps,  they  stroak'd  him  with  the  paw ; 
And  when  each  bear  his  neighbour  saw, 
Their  news  was,  So!  —  Our  Bruin's  here  once  more. 

Straightway  the  travell'd  youth  went  on 
All  his  adventures  to  relate, 
And  whatsoever  he  had  seen,  or  done, 
Or  heard,  in  foreign  parts  to  state. 
And  when  it  came  the  turn  to  tell 
His  dancing  deeds,  to  capering  he  fell, 
As  though  his  former  master's  chain 
Were  fasten'd  round  his  neck  again. 

Bears  of  the  woods  are  seldom  trained  to  dance ; 
Yet,  seeing  Bruin  throw  his  limbs  about, 
The  fancy  seiz'd  them  all,  themselves  to  prance, 
And  strive,  with  clumsy  aim,  his  motions  to  make  out. 

Scarce  one  of  all  the  brood  but  quickly  trip'd, 
And  stumbling,  staggering,  fell  his  whole  length  down ; 
The  more  they  fail'd,  the  brisker  Bruin  skip'd, 
To  show  their  skill  at  fault  and  prove  his  own. 
But  now,  their  fury  kindles  at  his  play ; 


58        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Away !   Begone,  you  tumbling  fool !  they  bawl ; 

Must  you,  forsooth,  be  wiser  than  us  all? 

And  straight,  with  one  accord,  they  hooted  him  away. 

Your  neighbour's  hatred  would  you  shun? 
His  talents  to  surpass  beware ! 
And  still  the  higher  your  attainments  run, 
Conceal  them  still  with  greater  care. 
For  though,  at  first,  the  voice  of  fame 
Shall  sound  your  praises  to  the  sky : 
Anon  shall  Envy  blast  your  name, 
And  turn  your  fairest  arts  to  crimes  of  deepest  dye. 

L. 
27  November  1801. 

Port  Folio,  1-400,  Dec.  12,  1801,  Phila. 
[C.  F.  Gellert,  Der  Tansbdr.'] 


BENEVOLENCE.     A   FABLE. 

Imitated  from  the  German  of  Galleret. 
Balance  and  Columbian  Repos.,  1-132,  Apr.  27,  1802,  Hudson  (N.  Y.). 

[Gellert,  Die  Gutthat.    Also  in  Amer.  Universal  Mag.,  1-28,  Jan.  2,  1797, 
Phila.] 

AMINTA. 

An  Idyl,  —  By  Gessner. 
[Prose  translation.] 

Weekly  Visitor  or  Ladies'  Misc.,  I -20,  Oct.  23,  1802,  N.  Y. 

[S.  Gessner,  Daphne. 

Mary  Collyer,  Gessner's  Idyls,  1802,  Liverpool.    II -121,  Aminta.'] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  59 

INVITATION    TO    JOY. 

From  the  German. 
Say,  who  could  mope  in  joyless  plight, 

While  youth  and  spring  bedeck  the  scene, 
And  scorn  the  profer'd  gay  delight, 

With  thankless  heart  and  frowning  mien? 
See  Joy  with  becks  and  smiles  appear, 

While  roses  strew  the  devious  way; 
The  feast  of  life  she  bids  us  share, 

Where'er  our  pilgrim  footsteps  stray. 

And  still  the  grove  is  cool  and  green, 

And  clear  the  bubbling  fountain  flows, 
Still  shines  the  night's  resplendent  queen, 

As  erst  in  Paradise  she  rose : 
The  grapes  their  purple  nectar  pour, 

To  'suage  the  heart  that  griefs  oppress ; 
And  still  the  lonely  ev'ning  bow'r 

Invites  and  screens  the  stolen  kiss. 

Still  Philomela's  melting  strain, 

Responsive  to  the  dying  gale, 
Beguiles  the  bosom's  throbbing  pain, 

And  sweetly  charms  the  list'ning  vale ; 
Creation's  scene  expanded  lies:  — 

Blest  scene !  how  wond'rous  bright  and  fair ! 
Till  Death's  cold  hand  shall  close  my  eyes, 

Let  me  the  lavish'd  bounties  share ! 

Weekly  Visitor  or  Ladies'  Misc.,  1-64,  Nov.  27,  1802,  N.  Y. 


60  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

ORIGINAL   PAPERS. 

For  the  Port  Folio. 

THE   AMERICAN    LOUNGER. 

By  SAMUEL  SAUNTER,  Esq. 
No.  XLIII. 

Et  vos,  O  lauri,  carpam,  et  te  proxima  myrtus, 
Sic  positae,  quoniam  suaves  miscetis  odores. 

—  Virgil 

To  SAMUEL  SAUNTER,  Esq. 
Sir, 

As  I  perceive  your  plan,  like  that  of  Coleman  and  Thornton,  in  the  "  Con 
noisseur,"  and  like  that  of  your  relation,  Solomon  Saunter,  in  "  Literary  Leis 
ure,"  admits  Poetry  as  well  as  Prose,  which  one  may  feed  upon  alternately, 
as  we  eat  bread  and  cheese,  I  send  you  a  translation,  from  the  German  of 
Lessing,  and  some  fugitive  originals. 

I  am,  yours 

HARLEY. 

I  ask'd  my  fair,  one  happy  day, 
What  should  I  call  her  in  my  lay, 
By  what  sweet  name,  from  Rome  or  Greece, 
Iphigenia,  Clelia,  Chloris, 
Laura,  Lesbia,  Delia,  Doris, 
Dorimene  or  Lucrece? 

Ah,  replied  my  gentle  fair, 

Beloved,  what  are  names  but  air? 
Take  thou  whatever  suits  the  line, 

Clelia,  Iphigenia,  Chloris, 

Laura,  Lesbia,  Delia,  Doris  — 
But  don't  forget  to  call  me — thine. 

Port  Folio,  III-2S,  Jan.  1803,  Phila. 
[Lessing,  Die  Namen.~\ 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  6 1 

THE    NAVIGATION 

Translated  from  the  French  of  Gessner. 
It  flies !  the  vessel  flies,  that  bears  away 
To  distant  shores  my  Daphne,  fair  as  May. 
Guard  her,  ye  loves !  be  lull'd  each  ruder  gale ; 
Let  Zephyrs  only  fill  the  swelling  sail ; 
Ye  waves  flow  gently  by  the  vessel's  side, 
While  pensive  she  surveys  you  idly  glide ; 
Ah !    softly  glide,  prolong  her  reverie, 
For  then,  ye  Gods !   'tis  then  she  thinks  of  me. 
When  near  the  nodding  groves  that  shade  the  shore, 
To  her,  ye  birds,  your  sweetest  warbling  pour ; 
No  sounds  be  heard,  but  such  as  gently  sooth, 
And  be,  O  sea,  thy  azure  surface  smooth. 
Ne'er  since  thy  daughters  sought  their  liquid  caves, 
A  lovelier  charge,  was  trusted  to  thy  waves. 
Her  clear,  her  bright  unsullied  beauty  shews 
The  lilly's  white,  and  freshness  of  the  rose. 
Not  Venus  had  more  charms,  more  beauteous  bloom, 
When,  rising  from  the  sea's  resplendent  foam, 
She  smiling  mounted  first  her  silver  car, 
And  shone  effulgent  as  the  morning  star. 
The  enchanted  Tritons  left  their  noisy  sport, 
And  nymphs  cerulian  in  their  crystal  court; 
Regardless  of  their  frowns,  or  jealous  smiles, 
While  beauty's  queen  each  eager  eye  beguiles. 
They  gaze,  and  held  in  most  delightful  trance, 
Pursue  her  moving  o'er  the  smooth  expanse. 

H  ***  T. 
Boston  Weekly  Mag.,  I- 72,  Feb.  19,  1803,  Boston. 

[S.  Gessner,  La  Navigation. 

French  translation  of  Die  Schiffahrt."} 


62  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Mr.  HOGAN; 

The  subjoined  Pieces  under  the  signature  of  Oscar,  are  the  production  of 
a  gentleman  residing  in  a  distant  part  of  the  state.  They  were  written  solely 
with  a  view  to  amuse  his  leisure  hours.  If  you  think  them  worthy  of  publi 
cation,  you  are  at  liberty  to  insert  them  in  the  Repository. 

— A  SUBSCRIBER. 

MORNING    SONG   OF    PRAISE. 

From  the  German  of  Patzke. 

"Labt  den  Herrn!    Die  morgensonne." 
O  praise  the  Lord !  the  morning  sun, 

From  sleep  awakes  the  cheerful  swain ; 

And  all  creation's  joys  again, 
To  us,  in  streams  renewed,  run. 

O  praise  the  Lord !  ye  sweetest  flow'rs, 
To  him  your  earliest  fragrance  yield ; 

Ye  birds  exert  your  tuneful  pow'rs ; 
Praise  him  in  meadow  and  in  field. 

O  praise  the  Lord!  —  Ev'n  from  his  den 

The  desert's  savage  roars  his  praise ; 
And,  oh  !  my  soul !  how  much  more  then, 
Should'st  thou  thy  voice  in  Paeans  raise  ? 
—Oscar. 
Phila.  Repos.,  Ill- 152,  May  7,  1803,  Phila. 


ODE    TO    SPRING 

From  the  German. 
"  Freude  wirbelt  in  den  Liiften." 

Joy  comes  laughing  with  the  breeze 
Gladness  spreads  itself  around ; 

Songsters  warble  in  the  trees; 
Nature  gaily  decks  the  ground. 

Heav'n  unfolds  its  richest  vesture, 
Sparkling  stars  —  etherial  blue; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  63 

Fairies  dance  with  antic  gesture ; 
Or  sip,  delighted,  morning  dew. 

Gentle,  smiling,  Zephyrs,  wander, 

Thro'  the  groves  of  verdant  green ; 
Toying  with  the  lilac  yonder — 

Here,  with  the  rose  of  blooming  mien. 

Humming  bees,  on  wafer  pinions, 

Careful,  thro'  the  blossoms  roam : 
Searching  all  their  flow'r  dominions, 

The  nectar  tribute  gather  home. 

In  th'embroiderd  violet  vale, 

Love,  attended  by  the  Graces, 
Tells  his  soft  bewitching  tale, 

While  blushing  fair  ones  hide  their  faces. 

How  beautiful  is  the  creation, 

In  this  time  of  mirth  and  joy  ? 
All  is  life — all  animation: 

Nought  our  pleasures  to  annoy. 
—  Oscar. 

Pliila.  Repos.,  Ill -152,  May  7,  1803,  Phila. 
[For  introductory  note,  cf.  the  preceding.] 


UNIVERSAL    SONG    OF    PRAISE 

A  Sapphic  Ode. 

From  the  German  of  Biirde. 

"Alles   was   odem  hat,   lobe   den   Herrn!" 

All  ye  that  live  and  breathe,  O  praise  the  Lord ! 
With  holy  streams  of  joy,  and  exultation, 
Our  souls  are  penetrated. 

O  taste  and  see,  how  great,  how  good  He  is ! 
His  love  and  mercy,  his  truth  and  grace  alone, 
Leads  us  to  joys  eternal. 


64  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

O  ye  enwraptur'd  souls  that  serve  the  Lord 
Cherubim!  Seraphim!  Angels  and  Spirits! 
Love  is  your  felicity. 

Thirst  on,  our  souls — thirst  for  the  living  streams  ; 
Bless'd  and  holy !   and  for  ever  love  Him ! 
Who  us,  in  love,  created. 

Yes,  we'll  love  and  adore  Him !  yes,  the  dust 
Loves  its  Redeemer;  and  all  our  anxious  tears 
Himself  shall  wipe  away. 

—  Oscar. 
Phila.  Repos.,  Ill  -152,  May  7,  1803,  Phila. 

[For  introductory  note,  cf.  Morning  Song  of  Praise,  preceding.] 


THE    SHOE    PINCHES. 

A  Song  of  Shoe-maker,  William. 

From  Kotzebue. 

Though  idlers  riot,  eat  and  drink, 
And  on  soft  downy  pillows  sink, 
They  are  not  free  from  woe : 
For  every  man  must  have  his  share 
Of  trouble,  and  must  know  best  where 
The  shoe  does  pinch  his  toe. 

When  rainy,  wise  men  boots  will  wear, 
But  shoes  put  on  when  all  is  fair, 

And  take  times  as  they  go ; 
No  man  that  ever  wore  a  shoe 
Will  say  if  he  be  fair  and  true, 

It  never  pinch'd  his  toe. 

Balance  and  Columbian  Repos.,  11-288,  Sept.  6,  1803,  Hudson,  (N.  Y.). 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  65 

BENEVOLENCE.— A    FABLE. 

Imitated  from  the  German  of  Gellert. 
Port  Folio,  III-352,  Oct.  29,  1803,  Phila. 
[Also  in  Amer.  Universal  Mag.,  1-28,  Jan.  2,  1797,  Phila.] 


THE    NOSEGAY. 
[Prose  translation.] 

Phila.  Repos.,  IV~4,  Jan.  7,  1804,  Phila. 

[S.  Gessner,  Der  Blumenstrauss. 
W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles,  p.  37.] 


For  the  Philadelphia  Repository. 

HOFFNUNG. 

Wie  des  morgens  helle  licht 
Die  dunkeln  'nachts  durchbricht, 
Und  die  ganze  welt  erfrout 
Mit  des  tages  herlichkeit 

So  wann  grosse  traurigkeit — 
Laest  den  menschen  keine  freud, 
Wann  verzweiflung  angst  und  schmertze 
Fuelt  das  arme,  banges  hertze. 

Geht  die  sonne  Hoffnungs  auf, 
Und  im  traur'gem  brust  sein  lauf 
Beginnt;  dann  flichtet  traurigkeit, 
Und  die  brust  ist  voller  freud. 

Von  verzweiflung,  angst  und  schmertze 
Ist  befreyt  das  bange  hertze, 
O  !  es  bringt  die  Hoffnungs  sonne, 
Seeligkeit,  und  grosse  wonne. 

— ADELIO. 

.  • .  A  poetical  translation  is  requested. 
Phila.  Repos.,  IV- 56,  Feb.  18,  1804,  Phila. 
5 


66        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

For  the  Philadelphia  Repository. 

TRANSLATION 

Of  Adelio's  German  Lines  in  last  Repository. 

HOPE. 

As  does  the  morn's  resplendent  light 
Dispel  the  gloomy  shades  of  night, 
And  the  whole  universe  delight, 
With  the  day's  illustrious  sight — 

So  when  the  adverse  fates  decree 
Nothing  to  man  but  misery, 
When  they  despair  and  pain  impart 
To  the  keen  agonized  heart — 

Then  does  his  course,  Hope's  sun  from  rest 
Take  thro'  the  troubled  heaving  breast ; 
Then  disappears  adversity, 
And  leaves  behind  felicity. 

Exempt  from  horror  is  the  breast, 
Despair  and  pain  sink  into  rest ; 
The  sun  of  Hope  affords  delight, 
And  happiness  supremely  bright. 

Translator. 
Phila.  Repos.,  IV- 64,  Feb.  25,  1804,  Phila. 


PASSAGE   FROM    KLOPSTOCK'S    MESSIAH. 

So  at  the  midnight  hour  draws  nigh  to  the  slumbering  city 
Pestilence.     Couch'd  on  his  broad  spread  wings  lurks  under  the 

rampart 

Death,  bale-breathing.     As  yet  unalarmed  are  the  peaceable  dwellers ; 
Close  to  his  nightly-lamp  the  sage  yet  watches ;  and  high  friends 
Over  wine  not  unhallow'd,  in  shelter  of  odorous  bowers, 
Talk  of  the  soul  and  of  friendship,  and  weigh  their  immortal  duration. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  67 

But  too  soon  shall  frightful  Death,  in  a  day  of  affliction 

Pouncing  over  them,  over  them  spread;  in  a  day  of  moaning  and 

anguish.  .  .  . 
When  with  wringing  of  hands  the  bride  for  the  bridegroom  loud 

wails ; 

When,  now  of  all  her  children  bereft,  the  desperate  mother 
Furious  curses  the  day  on  which  she  bore,  and  was  born  .  .  .  when 
Weary  with  hollower  eye,  amid  the  carcases  totter 
Even  the  buriers  .  .  .  till  the  sent  Death-angel,  descending, 
Thoughtful  on  thunder-clouds,  beholds  all  lonesome  and  silent, 
Gazes  the  wide  desolation,  and  long  broods  over  the  graves,  fixt. 

"Perhaps  some  other  writer  will  throw  this  fine  picture  into  blank  verse 
so  well,  as  to  convince  the  public,  that  the  beauties  of  Klopstock  can  be  nat 
uralized  without  strangeness,  and  his  peculiarities  retained  without  affecta 
tion  ;  that  quaintness,  the  unavoidable  companion  of  neologism,  is  as  needless 
to  genius,  as  hostile  to  grace;  the  hexameter,  until  it  is  familiar,  must  repel, 
and,  when  it  is  familiar,  may  annoy;  that  it  wants  a  musical  orderliness  of 
sound;  and  that  its  cantering  capricious  movement  opposes  the  grave  marck 
of  solemn  majesty,  and  better  suits  the  ordinary  scenery  of  Theocritus  than 
the  empyreal  visions  of  Klopstock." 

From  "  Criticism  on  Klopstock's  Messiah." 

Lit.  Mag.  and  Amcr.  Reg.,  1-468,  Mar.  1804,  Phila. 
[F.  G.  Klopstock,  Messias.] 


THE    GUARDIAN    SPIRIT. 

From  the  German  of  Matthison. 
Whene'er  day-light's  parting  gleam 

A  smiling  form  salutes  my  love, 
And  loiters  near  the  murm'ring  stream, 

And  glides  beneath  the  conscious  grove : 
Ah  !   then  my  Henry's  spirit  see : 
Soft  joy  and  peace  it  brings  to  thee. 

And  when  at  moon-light's  sober  ray 

Thou  dream'st  perchance  of  love  and  me, 
As  thro'  the  pines  the  breezes  play, 


68        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

And  whisper  dying  melody — 
When  tender  bodings  prompt  the  sigh — 
Thy  Henry's  spirit  hovers  nigh. 

When  o'er  the  mind  soft  musings  steal, 
As  thou  the  pleasing  past  hast  scann'd ; 

Should'st  thou  a  gentle  pressure  feel, 
Like  zephyr's  kiss  o'er  lip  and  hand ; — 

And  should  the  glimmering  taper  fade — 

Then  near  thee  'bides  thy  lover's  shade. 

And  when  at  midnights'  solemn  tide, 
As  soft  the  rolling  planets  shine — 
Like  Aeol's  harp,  thy  couch  beside, 

Thou  hear'st  the  words — 'forever  thine!' 
Then  slumber  sweet,  my  spirit's  there, 
And  peace  and  joy  it  brings  my  fair. 
Phila.  Repos.,  IV-i6o,  May  19,  1804,  Phila. 
[Friedrich  Matthisson,  Lied  aus  der  Feme.'] 


BURGER'S    LEONORA,    [y]. 

[In  an  article  on  Burger's  Lenore,  three  eight-lined  stanzas  of  Spencer's 
translation,  and  two  six-lined  stanzas  of  Stanley's  translation  are  given. 

W.  R.  Spencer,  Leonora.  Trans,  from  the  German  of  G.  A.  Burgher.  Lon 
don,  1796. 

J.  T.  Stanley,  Leonora.    Trans,  freely  from  the  German;  2nd  ed.,  London, 

1/96.] 
Port  Folio,  IV- 167,  May  26,  1804,  Phila. 


A    SONNET 

Translated  from  Jacobi. 
Tell  me  where's  the  vi'let  fled 

Late  so  gaily  blowing; 
Springing  'neath  fair  Flora's  tread, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  69 

Choicest  sweets  bestowing? 

Swains  the  vernal  scene  is  o'er, 
And  the  vi'let  blooms  no  more. 

Say  where  hides  the  blushing  rose, 

Pride  of  fragrant  morning; 
Garland  meet  for  beauty's  brows, 
Hill  and  dale  adorning? 

Gentle  maid  the  summer's  fled 
And  the  hopeless  Rose  is  dead ! 

Bear  me  then  to  yonder  rill, 

Late  so  freely  flowing; 
Wat'ring  many  a  daffodil, 
On  its  margin  glowing — 

Sun  and  wind  exhaust  its  store : 
Yonder  riv'let  glides  no  more ! 

Lead  me  to  the  bow'ry  shade, 

Late  with  roses  flaunting ; 
Lov'd  resort  of  youth  and  maid, 
Am'rous  ditty  chanting  — 

Hail  and  storm  with  fury  show'rs, 
Leafless  mourn  with  rifled  bow'rs  ! 

Say  where  hides  the  village  maid, 

Late  yon  cot  adorning; 
Oft  I've  met  her  in  the  glade, 
Fair  and  fresh  as  morning? 

Swain  how  short  is  beauty's  bloom, 
Seek  her  in  the  grassy  tomb ! 

Whither  roves  the  tuneful  swain 

Who  of  rural  pleasures, 
Rose  and  vi'let,  rill  and  plain, 
Sung  in  deftest  measures? 

Maiden,  swift  life's  vision  flies, 
Death  has  clos'd  the  Poet's  eyes. 

Companion  and  Weekly  Misc.,  I -104,  Jan.  26,  1805,  Balto. 
[J.  G.  Jacobi,  Verg'dnglichkeit. 
W.  Taylor  of  Norwich,  op.  cit.    II-io6,  Elegy.     (Variants  in  stanza  V).] 


70        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  following  is  a  German  drinking  song,  popular  in  the  Rhingau,  and 
probably  the  inspiration  of  the  old  Hock,  which  it  celebrates. 

Bekranzt  mit  laub  den  Hebe  vollen  becher, 

Und  trinkt  ihn  frolich  leer; 
In  ganz  Europa,  ihr  herren  recher, 

1st  solch  ein  wein  nicht  mehr. 

Ihn  bringt  das  vatterland  aus  seiner  fulle, 

Wie  war  er  sonst  so  gut  ? 
Wie  war  er  sonst  so  edel  stille, 

Und  doch  voll  kraft  und  muth  ? 

Am  Rhein,  am  Rhein,  da  wachsen  unsre  reben ; 

Gesegnet  sey  der  Rhein ! 
Da  wachsen  sie  am  ufer  bin,  und  geben 

Uns  diesen  lieben  wein. 

So  trinkt  bin  dann,  and  last  uns  alle  wege 

Uns  f reun  und  frolich  seyn ; 
Und,  wisten  wir  wo  jemand  traurig  lage, 

Wir  gaben  ihm  den  wein. 

TRANSLATION. 

The  brimful  goblet  crown  with  wines, 

And  drink  the  cordial  juice, 
Europe  itself  can't  boast  such  vines 

As  these  bless'd  hills  produce. 

Yes,  Germany's  the  copious  source 

Of  wines  that  all  excel; 
So  mild,  so  generous,  full  of  force, 

None  cheer  the  heart  so  well. 

Rhingau  alone  such  grapes  can  boast, 

Huzza !  here's  to  the  Rhine ! 
And  may  the  wretch,  who  slights  the  toast, 

Forget  the  taste  of  wine. 

Come,  drink  about,  and  let's  be  gay, 
With  nectar  so  divine, 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  71 

Is  any  man  to  grief  a  prey? 

We'll  comfort  him  with  wine. 
Port  Folio,  V-no,  Apr.  13,  1805,  Phila. 


EPIGRAMS. 

From  the  German  of  G.  E.  Lessing. 
Adam  awhile  in  Paradise 

Enjoy'd  his  novel  life : 
He  was  caught  napping ;  in  a  thrice 

His  rib  was  made  a  wife. 

Poor  father  Adam,  what  a  guest ! 

This  most  unlucky  dose 
Made  the  first  minute  of  thy  rest 

The  last  of  thy  repose. 


But  one  bad  woman  at  a  time 

On  earth  arises. 
That  every  one  should  think  he  has  her, 

I  own  —  surprises. 


A  long  way  off — Lucinda  strikes  the  men. 

As  she  draws  near, 

And  one  see  clear, 

A  long  way  off — one  wishes  her  again. 
Phila.  Repos.,  ¥-128,  Apr.  20,  1805,  Phila. 


In  Dr.  Cogan's  amusing  and  Shandcan  Travels  on  the  Rhine,  he  has 
preserved  a  German  Ode  to  Evening.  They,  who  are  curious  to  be 
hold  the  Teutonic  Muse,  in  the  character  of  a  pensive  minstrel,  may 
here  be  gratified. 

Komm,  stillet  abend,  neider, 

Auf  unsre  kleine  flur; 
Dir  tonen  unsre  lieder, 
Wie  schon  bist  du,  natur! 


72  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Schon  steigt  die  abendrothe 
Herab  ins  kiihle  thai ; 

Bald  glantz  in  sanfter  rothe 
Der  sonne  letzter  strahl. 

All  uberal  herrscht  schweigen 
Nur  schwingt  der  vogel  chor 

Hoch  aus  den  dunkeln  zweigen 
Den  nacht  gesang  empor. 

Komm,  lieber  abend,  neider 
Auf  unsre  kleine  flur; 

Dir  tonen  unsre  lieder, 
Wie  schon  bist  du  natur. 

TRANSLATION. 

Come,  silent  Eve,  return  again, 
Our  homely  cottage  view, 

And  hear  us  sing  a  cheerful  strain, 
To  thee,  and  nature  due. 

The  sun  retires  yon  hills  behind, 

And  sinks  into  the  sea, 
Glancing  his  rays  both  mild  and  kind, 

Oh,  blushing  maid,  on  thee. 

To  thee  he  yields  the  soothing  sway, 

Inviting  all  to  rest; 
The  birds  conclude  the  happy  day 

With  singing  on  thy  breast. 

Come,  silent  Eve,  return  again, 

Our  homely  cottage  view, 
And  hear  us  sing  a  cheerful  strain, 

To  thee  and  nature  due. 
Port  Folio,  V-I49,  May  18,  1805,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  73 

FROM    THE    GERMAN    OF    LESSING. 

Ah !   why  am  I  so  transient,  ask'd  of  Jupiter,  Beauty  ? 

Only  the  transient  is  fair,  smiling  answer'd  the  God ! 

Love,  and  Youth,  and  the  Spring,  and  the  Flow'rs,  and  the  Dew, 

they  all  heard  it ; 

Slowly  they  turn'd  away,  weeping  from  Jupiter's  throne ! 
Port  Folio,  1-40,  Jan.  25,  1806,  Phila. 


THE    WOODEN    LEG.      [«]. 

An  Helvetick  Tale. 

From  the  German  of  Solomon  Gessner. 
[Prose  translation.] 
Polyanthos,  I- 192,  Feb.,  1806,  Boston. 

[S.  Gessner,  Das  holserne  Bein. 
W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles,  p.  78.] 


It  is  but  seldom  that  the  Muses  of  the  North  sing  more  sweetly  than  in 
the  following  strain: 

SONG— FROM    THE    GERMAN. 

Scarce  sixteen  summers  had  I  seen, 

And  rov'd  my  native  bow'rs ; 
Nor  stray 'd  my  thoughts  beyond  the  green, 

Bedew'd  with  shrubs  and  flow'rs. 

When  late  a  stranger  youth  appear'd ; 

I  neither  wish'd  nor  sought  him ; 
He  came,  but  whence  I  never  heard, 

And  spake  what  love  had  taught  him. 

His  hair  in  graceful  ringlets  play'd, 
All  eyes  are  charm'd  that  view  them, 


74        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

And  o'er  his  comely  shoulders  stray'd, 
Where  wanton  zephyrs  blew  them. 

His  speaking  eye  of  azure  hue 

Seem'd  ever  softly  suing, 
And  such  an  eye,  so  clear  and  blue, 

Ne'er  shone  for  maid's  undoing. 

His  face  was  fair,  his  cheek  was  red, 
With  blushes  ever  burning; 

And  all  he  spoke  was  deftly  said, 
Though  far  beyond  my  learning. 

Where'er  I  stray'd,  the  youth  was  nigh, 
His  look  soft  sorrows  speaking ; 

Sweet  maid!   he'd  say,  then  gaze  and  sigh, 
As  if  his  heart  were  breaking. 

And  once,  as  low  his  head  he  hung, 
I  fain  would  ask  the  meaning ; 

When  round  my  neck  his  arms  he  flung, 
Soft  tears  his  grief  explaining. 

Such  freedom  ne'er  was  ta'en  till  now, 
And  now  'twas  unoffending; 

Shame  spread  my  cheek  with  ruddy  glow, 
My  eyes  kept  downward  bending. 

Nor  aught  I  spoke,  my  looks  he  read, 

As  if  with  anger  burning ; 
No — not  one  word — away  he  sped, 

Ah !   would  he  were  returning. 
Port  Folio,  1-189,  Mar.  29,  1806,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  75 

PASTORAL   POETRY. 

From  Gessner's  "  New  Idyls." 

THE    ZEPHYRS.     ITI. 


[Prose  translation.] 
Weekly  Visitant,  1-158,  May  17,  1806,  Salem. 

[S.  Gessner,  Die  Zephyre. 

W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles,  p.  16.] 


From  Gessner's  "  New  Idylles." 

THE    CARNATION. 

[Prose  translation.] 
Weekly  Visitant,  I- 159,  May  17,  1806,  Salem. 

[S.  Gessner,  Die  Nelke. 

W.  Hooper,  New  Idylles,  p.  7.] 


THE    NAME   UNKNOWN. 

Imitated  from  Klopstock's  ode  to  his  future  mistress.    By  Thomas  Camp 
bell,  Esq.,  author  of  Pleasures  of  Hope. 

Evening  Fire-Side  or  Lit.  Misc.,  II -165,  May  24,  1806,  Phila. 

[F.  G.  Klopstock,  Die  kunftige  Geliebte. 

The  above  imitation  appeared  first  in  a  newspaper,  Newport  Mercury,  No. 
2160,  Aug.  30,  1803,  Newport.] 


THE    FOWLER— A    SONG. 

Altered  from  a  German  air,  in  the  opera  of  "  Die  Zauberlote." 

A  CARELESS  whistling  lad  am  I, 
On  sky-lark  wings  my  moments  fly; 
There's  not  a  Fowler  more  renown'd 
In  all  the  world  —  for  ten  miles  round! 
Ah !    who  like  me  can  spread  the  net  ? 
Or  tune  the  merry  flageolet? 


/6        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Then  why  —  O  why  should  I  repine, 
Since  all  the  roving  birds  are  mine  ? 
The  thrush  and  linnet  in  the  vale, 
The  sweet  sequester'd  nightingale, 
The  bulfinch,  wren,  and  wood-lark,  all 
Obey  my  summons  when  I  call : 
O !  could  I  form  some  cunning  snare 
To  catch  the  coy,  coquetting  fair, 
In  Cupid's  filmy  web  so  fine, 
The  pretty  girls  should  all  be  mine ! 

When  all  were  mine — among  the  rest, 
I'd  choose  the  Lass  I  lik'd  the  best ; 
And  should  my  charming  mate  be  kind ; 
And  smile,  and  kiss   me  to  my  mind, 
With  her  I'd  tie  the  nuptial  knot, 
Make  Hymen's  cage  of  my  poor  cot, 
And  love  away  this  fleeting  life, 
Like  Robin  Redbreast  and  his  wife ! 

Mo.  Anthology  and  Boston  Rev.,  Ill -591,  Nov.  1806,  Boston. 

[E.  Schickaneder,  Die  Zauberflote.  Oper  in  zwei  Aufziigen  von  Mozart. 
Dichtung  nach  Ludwig  Giesecke  von  E.  Schickaneder. 

James  Montgomery,  The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland  and  Other  Poems,  Lon 
don,  1806.  First  Amer.  ed.  from  second  London  ed.,  N.  Y.,  1807.  P.  93.] 


THE    CHASE. 

In  the  third  number*  of  the  Port  Folio  we  inserted  a  very  humorous  parody 
of  the  following  ballad  of  Burger.  We  understand  from  the  criticks  in  the 
German  Language  that  the  original  is  eminently  beautiful.  Its  merit  was 
once  so  highly  appreciated  in  England  that  a  host  of  translators  started  at 
once  in  the  race  for  public  favor.  The  ensuing  version  which  is,  we  believe, 
by  Sir  Walter  Scott,  Esqr.,  well  deserves  a  place  in  this  journal. 

[The  translation  by  Scott  follows.] 

Port  Folio,  III -loo,  Feb.  14,  1807,  Phila. 
[Also  in  Weekly  Mag.,  11-413,  July  28,  1798,  Phila. 

*  Parody  on  Bilrger's  Earl  Walter  in  Port  Folio,  III -44,  Jan.  17,  1807.  Cf. 
p.  165.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  77 

The  following  charming 

SONG 

is  translated  from  the  German  by  Mr.  Herbert. 

"  Hail,  orient  sun,  auspicious  light ! 

Hail,  new-born  orb  of  day ! 
Lo,  from  behind  the  wood-crown'd  height, 

Breaks  forth  thy  glittering  ray. 
Behold  it  sparkle  in  the  stream, 

And  on  the  dew  drop  shine ! 
O,  may  sweet  joy's  enlivening  beam 

Mix  his  pure  rays  with  thine ! 
The  Zephyrs  now,  with  frolic  wing, 

Their  rosy  beds  forsake ; 
And,  shedding  round  the  sweets  of  spring, 

Their  drowsy  comrades  wake. 
Soft  sleep  and  all  his  airy  forms 

Fly  from  the  dawning  day : 
Like  little  loves  O  may  their  swarms 

On  Chloe's  bosom  play ! 
Ye  Zephyrs  haste ;  from  every  flower 

The  sweetest  perfumes  take ; 
And  bear  them  hence  to  Chloe's  bower ; 

For  soon  the  maid  must  wake ! 
And,  hovering  round  her  fragrant  bed, 

In  breezes  call  my  fair ; 
Go,  frolic  round  her  graceful  head, 

And  scent  her  golden  hair! 
Then  gently  whisper  in  her  ear, 

That  ere  the  sun  gan  rise, 
By  the  soft  murmuring  fountain  here 

I  breath'd  her  name  in  sighs." 
Observer,  1-352,  May  30,  1807,  Balto. 


TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Selected  Poetry. 

THE    POEM    OF    HALLER    VERSIFIED. 

By  HENRY  JAMES  PYE,  Esq.,  P.L. 
Ah !  woods  forever  dear !  whose  branches  spread 
Their  verdant  arch  o'er  Basel's  breezy  head, 
When  shall  I  once  again,  supinely  laid, 
Hear  Philomela  charm  your  list'ning  shade? 
When  shall  I  stretch  my  careless  limbs  again, 
Where,  gently  rising  from  the  velvet  plain, 
O'er  the  green  hills,  in  easy  curve  that  bend, 
The  mossy  carpet  Nature's  hands  extend  ? 
Where  all  is  silent !   save  the  gales  that  move 
The  leafy  umbrage  of  the  whisp'ring  grove ; 
Or  the  soft  murmurs  of  the  rivulet's  wave, 
Whose  chearing  streams  the  lonely  meadows  lave. 

O  Heav'n !  when  shall  once  more  these  eyes  be  cast 
On  scenes  where  all  my  spring  of  life  was  pass'd ; 
Where,  oft  responsive  to  the  falling  rill, 
Sylvia  and  love  my  artless  lays  would  fill? 
While  Zephyr's  fragrant  breeze,  soft  breathing,  stole 
A  pleasing  sadness  o'er  my  pensive  soul : 
Care,  and  her  ghastly  train,  were  far  awav ;       ^ 
While  calm,  beneath  the  sheltering  woods  I  lay   V 
Mid  shades,  impervious  to  the  beams  of  day.      J 

Here — sad  reverse!  —  from  scenes  of  pleasure  far, 
I  wage  with  sorrow  unremitting  war: 
Oppress'd  with  grief,  my  ling'ring  moments  flow, 
Nor  aught  of  joy,  or  aught  of  quiet,  know. 
Far  from  the  scenes  that  gave  my  being  birth, 
From  parents  far,  an  outcast  of  the  earth ! 
In  youth's  warm  hours,  from  each  restriction  free, 
Left  to  myself  in  dangerous  liberty. 

Ah  !  scenes  of  earthly  joy !  ah,  much-lov'd  shades ! 
Soon  may  my  footsteps  tread  your  vernal  glades. 
Ah !   should  kind  Heav'n  permit  me  to  explore 
Your  seats  of  still  tranquillity  once  more ! 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  79 

E'en  now  to  Fancy's  visionary  eye, 
Hope  shews  the  flattering  hour  of  transport  nigh, 
Blue  shines  the  aether,  when  the  storm  is  past ; 
And  calm  repose  succeeds  to  sorrow's  blast. 
Flourished,  ye  scenes  of  every  new  delight ! 
Wave  wide  your  branches  to  my  raptur'd  sight ! 
While,  ne'er  to  roam  again,  my  wearied  feet 
Seek  the  kind  refuge  of  your  calm  retreat. 

Now  pale  disease  shoots  thro'  my  languid  frame, 
And  checks  the  zeal  for  wisdom  and  for  fame. 
Now  droops  fond  hope,  by  Disappointment  cross'd ; 
Chill'd  by  neglect,  each  sanguine  wish  is  lost. 
O'er  the  weak  mound  stern  Ocean's  billows  ride, 
And  waft  destruction  in  with  every  tide; 
While  Mars,  descending  from  his  crimson  car, 
Fans  with  fierce  hands  the  kindling  flames  of  war. 

Her  gentle  aid  let  Consolation  lend ; 
All  human  evils  hasten  to  their  end. 
The  storm  abates  at  every  gust  it  blows ; 
Past  ills  enhance  the  comforts  of  repose. 
He  who  ne'er  felt  the  pressure  of  distress, 
Ne'er  felt  returning  pleasure's  keen  excess. 
Time  who  Affliction  bore  on  rapid  wing, 
My  panting  heart  to  happiness  may  bring ; 
I,  on  my  native  hills,  may  yet  inhale 
The  purer  influence  of  the  ambient  gale. 

Observer,  II  -95,  Aug.  8,  1807,  Balto. 

[Albrecht  von  Haller,  Schnsucht  ttach  dem  Vaterlande.] 


80        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Walter  Scott,  Esq.,  whose  honoured  name  is  now  perfectly  familiar  to  every 
lover  of  poetical  description,  has  lately  published  a  ballad  which  we  are  solici 
tous  to  preserve  in  this  paper.  The  gayety  of  the  beginning,  contrasted  with 
the  solemnity  of  the  conclusion  of  this  terrifick  ballad  cannot  fail  to  strike  all 
who  relish  The  Castle  of  Otranto,  or  The  Romance  of  the  Forest. 


FREDERICK   AND   ALICE. 

This  tale  is  imitated  rather  than  translated  from  a  fragment  introduced  in 
Goethe's  "  Claudina  von  Villa  Bella,"  where  it  is  sung  by  a  member  of  a 
gang  of  banditti  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  family,  while  his  companions 
break  into  the  castle.  It  owes  any  little  merit  it  may  possess  to  my  friend 
Mr.  Lewis,  to  whom  it  was  sent  in  an  extremely  rude  state;  and  who,  after 
some  material  improvement,  published  it  in  his  "  Tales  of  Wonder." 

[The  poem  follows.] 
Port  Folio,  IV- 134,  Aug.  29,  1807,  Phila. 

[Goethe,  Claudine  von  Villa  Bella,  Act  II.    Song  by  "Rugantino"  (Karlos 
von  Castellvecchio). 
M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Wonder.'} 


THE   LASS    OF   FAIR   WONE. 

From  the  German  of  Buerger. 
Charms  of  Lit.,  p.  103,  1808,  Trenton. 
[Also  in  Phila.  Minerva,  II,  Dec.  17,  1796,  Phila.] 


THE   WOODEN    LEG. 

A  Swiss  Idyll. 

By  GESSNER. 
[Prose  translation.] 

Charms  of  Lit.,  p.  401,  1808,  Trenton. 
[S.  Gessner,  Das  hblzerne  Bein.~\ 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  8 1 

FROM  THE  GERMAN  OF  GESNER. 

Hail,  Morning,  to  thy  rising  beam 

That  gilds  with  light  the  mountain's  brow, 

And  shines  and  glitters  in  the  stream 
That  winds  along  the  vale  below ! 

Joy,  and  health,  and  glad  delight 

Await  thy  steps,  thy  march  pursue ; 
The  Zephyr  now  that  slept  the  night 

In  flowers  that  weep  beneath  the  dew, 

His  plumes  with  new-born  vigour  tries, 

And  lifts  him  from  his  balmy  bed ; 
And  dreams  that  round  the  wearied  eyes 

Of  mortals  hover'd,  now  are  fled. 

Haste,  ye  Gales,  and  thro'  the  air 

Waft  the  sweets  from  every  flower, 
And  wave  your  wings  around  my  Fair, 

What  slumbers  in  yon  rosy  bower ; 

Paint  o'er  her  lips  and  cheek's  bright  hues, 

And  heave  upon  her  heaving  breast, 
And  when  yo've  chas'd  Sleep's  balmy  dews, 

And  gently  burst  the  bonds  of  rest, 

Oh  whisper  to  her  list'ning  ear, 

That  e'er  bright  Morn  had  deck'd  the  sky, 
These  streams  beheld  me  shed  the  tear, 
And  heard  me  pour  for  her  the  sigh ! 
Lady's  Weekly  Misc.,  VII -112,  June  11,  1808,  N.  Y. 
[S.  Gessner,  Morgenlied.'} 

MORNING    SONG. 

(Morgenlied)   from  the  German  of  Gesner. 
Welcome,  early  orb  of  morn ! 

Welcome,  infant  day ! 
O'er  the  wood-top'd  mountain  borne, 

Mark  its  coming  ray ! 


82  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Now  o'er  babbling  brooks  it  beams ; 

Sips  from  each  flower  its  dew; 
Now  with  glorious  gladdening  gleams 

Wakes  the  world  anew. 
Zephyrs  first,  o'er  flowers  that  slumber'd, 

Quit  their  couch,  and  play ; 
Breathe  o'er  flowers  in  sighs  unnumber'd, 

Breathe  the  scent  of  day. 
Fancy  now  her  reign  gives  o'er, 

Every  vision  flies ; 
Chloe's  cheek  is  wan  no  more, 

Cupids  round  it  rise. 
Hasten,  Zephyr,  waft  from  roses 

All  their  loveliest  bloom ! 
Haste  where  Chloe  now  reposes, 

Wake  her  from  her  tomb ! 
To  the  fairest's  couch  repair, 

Wanton  round  her  pillow ; 
O'er  her  lip  and  bosom  fair 

Bathe  thy  blandest  billow ! 
She  wakes  the  whispers  to  the  gale, 

Wakes  from  her  morning  dream ; 
Whilst  so  the  stream,  and  thro'  the  vale, 

I  er'st  have  breathed  her  name. 
Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-562,  Sept.  10,  1808,  Boston. 
[S.  Gessner,  Morgenlied.] 


TRANSLATION  OF  SHELLER'S 
"FORGET  ME  NOT." 

(From  the  German.) 

Belov'd  of  my  bosom,  alas  my  fond  heart 

Does  weep  for  the  fate  of  my  heart-rending  lot ; 

To  range  the  wide  world,  now  from  me  you  depart, 
Yet  remember  me  ever,  "  forget  me  not." 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  83 

If  moving  in  circles  of  beauty  and  love, 

Perchance  to  adore  some  sweet  maid,  be  your  lot, 

O !   then  may  my  spirit  thy  wav'rings  reprove, 
And  whisper  thee  gently,  "  forget  me  not."  ' 

If  hap'ly  hard  fate  should  you  e'er  from  me  sever, 
How  drearily  mournful  would  be  my  sad  lot, 

In  sorrow's  dark  path  I  would  wander  forever,' 
Nor  smile  more  with  joy,  then  "  forget  me  not." 

If  in  the  fresh  bloom  of  my  life's  early  blossom, 
To  leave  you  my  dear,  and  this  world,  be  my  lot, 

Thine  be  the  last  sigh  that  escapes  from  my  bosom,' 
Then  think  how  I  love  you ;  "O  !  forget  me  not." 

Yet  tho'  we  now  part,  in  the  bless'd  realms  above, 
We  will  meet  soon  again,  free  from  life's  woeful  lot ; 

We  will  meet  to  dear  joy,  we  will  meet  to  sweet  love, 
Then  no  more  need  I  say  "  O !   forget  me  not." 

Z. 

Gleaner,  1-325,  Mar.  1809,  Lancaster  (Penn.). 


TRANSLATION  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

Whoever  has  perused  the  prophetick  metrical  compositions  of  Van  Vander 
Horderclogeth  must  surely  remember  the  poem  on  the  3697  fol.  of  which  the 
following  is  a  translation;  it  commences  thus  — 

Vrom  Grouter  grtider  grout  gropstock,  Zordur  zoop,  &c. 

All  gloomy  and  sorrowful  Beelzebub  sat, 

With  his  imps  and  his  devils  around, 
When  the  thundering  knocker  of  Hell's  outer  grate 
Rang  a  peal  so  terrifick  and  loud  on  the  gate, 

That  all  Erebus  echoed  the  sound. 

Full  swift  to  the  portal  the  young  devils  flew, 

And  the  long  gloomy  passage  unbarr'd ; 
When  a  lanthorn-jaw'd  monster  stood  forth  to  their  view, 
So  meagre  his  figure,  so  pale  was  his  hue, 

That  the  devils  all  trembled  and  star'd. 


84         TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

All  green  were  his  eyes  in  their  sockets  decay'd, 

His  nose  was  projecting  and  wide, 
In  a  dusty  frock-coat  was  his  carcase  array'd, 
On  his  scull  he  a  three-corner'd  scraper  display'd, 

And  two  volumes*  he  bore  at  his  side. 

So  foul  were  his  breath  and  the  words  that  he  said, 

That  his  teeth  had  long  rotted  away  — 
And  now  to  the  devils  a  signal  he  made, 
To  show  him  their  master,  the  devils  obey'd, 

And  brought  him  where  Beelzebub  lay. 

Old  Beelzebub  rose,  as  the  monster  came  in, 

And  stood  for  a  moment  in  dread, 
For  they  look'd  like  each  other  enough  to  be  kin, 
Save  that  one  had  whole  feet  and  a  light-colour'd  skin, 

And  the  other  had  horns  on  his  head. 

'  Whence  art  thou  ?'  said  Beelzebub ;  '  stranger,  proclaim, 

For  if  Satan  can  rightly  divine, 
Thou  art  surely  some  hero  of  throat-cutting  fame, 
For  ne'er  to  these  regions  a  spirit  there  came, 

With  figure  so  hellish  as  thine.' 

'  No  throats  have  I  cut,'  the  lank  goblin  replied, 

With  voice  that  was  hollow  and  shrill ; 
'  I  have  cheated,  and  bullied,  and  swindled,  and  lied, 
Sedition  and  falsehood  I've  spread  far  and  wide, 

And  in  mischief  I  never  was  still. 

'  My  name  is ;'  no  sooner  said  he, 

Than  Beelzebub  rose  with  a  grin ; 
He  embrac'd  the  foul  monster,  who  also  display'd 
His  joy  at  the  meeting ;  and  both  of  them  made 

All  Hell  echo  round  with  their  din. 
Ordeal,  I- 157,  Mar.  n,  1809,  Boston. 


*  I  have  not  been  able  to  discover  what  these  volumes  were.  There  is  a 
short  note  in  the  German,  which  implies  that  they  were  entitled  Dulder 
Soudth. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  85 


THE    FOWLER. 

A  Song.    Altered  from  a  German  air,  in  the  opera  of  "  Dizauberlote." 
Gleaner,  I- 274,  Apr.  1809,  Lancaster  (Penn.). 

[Also  in  Mo.  Anthology  and  Boston  Rev.,  Ill -591,  Nov.  1806,  Boston.] 


TO    CHLOE. 

From  the  German  of  Gesner. 
[Prose  translation.] 
Visitor,  1-154,  Nov.  4,  1809,  Richmond. 
[S.  Gessner,  An  Chloen.] 

SONG. 

From  the  German  of  Jacobi. 
Boston  Mirror,  11-88,  Dec.  30,  1809,  Boston. 

[Same  as,  A  Sonnet,  by  Jacobi,  in  Companion  and  Weekly  Misc.,  I  -104, 
Jan.  26,  1805,  Balto.] 


I  publish  the  following  new  translation  of  "  The  Wild  Hunter,"  first  on 
account  of  its  superiority  over  every  other,  and  secondly  because  it  is  my 
intention  in  a  future  number  to  notice  particularly  this  chef  d'ocuvre  of  the 
German  poet. 

THE    WILD    HUNTER. 

Loud,  loud  the  baron  winds  his  horn ; 

And,  see,  a  lordly  train 
On  horse,  on  foot,  with  deafening  din, 

Comes  scouring  o'er  the  plain. 

O'er  heath,  o'er  field,  the  yelping  pack 

Dash  swift,  from  couples  freed ; 
O'er  heath,  o'er  field,  close  on  their  track, 

Loud  neighs  the  fiery  steed. 


86  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

And  now  the  Sabbath's  holy  dawn 
Beam'd  high  with  purple  ray, 

And  bright  each  hallowed  temple's  dome 
Reflected  back  the  day. 

Now  deep  and  clear  the  pealing  bells 

Struck  on  the  list'ning  ear, 
And  heaven-ward  rose  from  many  a  voice 

The  hymn  of  praise  and  prayer. 

Swift,  swift  along  the  crossway,  still 
They  speed  with  eager  cry : 

See !   right  and  left,  two  horsemen  strange 
Their  rapid  coursers  ply. 

Who  were  the  horsemen  right  and  left  ? 

That  may  I  guess  full  well : 
Who  were  the  horsemen  right  and  left? 

That  may  I  never  tell. 

The  right,  of  fair  and  beauteous  mien, 
A  milk-white  steed  bestrode; 

Mild  as  the  vernal  skies,  his  face 
With  heavenly  radiance  glow'd. 

The  left  spurr'd  fast  his  fiery  barb, 

Red  as  the  furnace  flame ; 
Sullen  he  loured,  and  from  his  eyes 

The  death-like  lightning  came. 

'  Right  welcome  to  our  noble  sport ;' 
The  baron  greets  them  fair; 

'  For  well  I  wot  ye  hold  it  good 
To  banish  moping  care. 

'  No  pleasure  equal  to  the  chase, 
Or  earth,  or  heaven  can  yield ;' 

He  spoke, — he  waved  his  cap  in  air, 
And  foremost  rushed  afield. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  87 

'  Turn  thee !'  the  milder  horseman  cries ; 

4  Turn  thee  from  horns  and  hounds  ! 
Hear'st  not  the  bells,  hear'st  not  the  quire, 

Mingle  their  sacred  sounds? 

'  They  drown  the  clamor  of  the  chase ; 

Oh !   hunt  not  then  to-day, 
Nor  let  a  fiend's  advice  destroy 

Thy  better  angel's  sway.' 

'  Hunt  on,  hunt  on/  his  comrade  cries, 

'  Nor  heed  yon  dotard's  spell ; 
What  is  the  bawling  quire  to  us? 

Or  what  the  jangling  bell  ? 

'  Well  may  the  chase  delight  thee  more ; 

And  well  may'st  learn  from  me, 
How  brave,  how  princely  is  our  sport, 

From  bigot  terrors  free.' 

'  Well  said  !  well  said  !  in  thee  I  own 

A  hero's  kindled  fire ; 
These  pious  fool'ries  move  not  us, 

We  reck  nor  priest,  nor  quire. 

'  And  thou,  believe  me,  saintlike  dolt, 

Thy  bigot  rage  is  vain ; 
From  prayers  and  beadrolls,  what  delight 

Can  sportsmen  hope  to  gain?' 

Still  hurry,  hurry,  on  they  speed 

O'er  valley,  hill  and  plain ; 
And  ever  at  the  baron's  side 

Attend  the  horsemen  twain. 

See,  panting,  see,  a  milk-white  hart 

Up-springs  from  yonder  thorn : 
'  Now  swiftly  ply  both  horse  and  foot ; 

Now  louder  wind  the  horn ! ' 


88  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

See,  falls  a  huntsman !  see,  his  limbs 

The  pangs  of  death  distort ! 
'  Lay  there  and  rot :  no  caitiff's  death 

Shall  mar  our  princely  sport.' 

Light  bounds  with  deftest  speed  the  hart, 
Wide  o'er  the  country  borne ; 

Now  closer  prest  a  refuge  seeks 
Where  waves  the  ripening  corn. 

See,  the  poor  owner  of  the  field 
Approach  with  tearful  eyes; 

'  O  pity,  pity,  good  my  lords !' 
Alas !  in  vain  he  cries. 

'  O  spare  what  little  store  the  poor 

By  bitter  sweat  can  earn !' 
Now  soft  the  milder  horseman  warns 

The  baron  to  return. 

Not  so  persuades  his  stern  compeer, 
Best  pleas'd  with  darkest  deeds ; 

Tis  his  to  sway  the  baron's  heart, 
Reckless  what  mercy  pleads. 

1  Away !'  the  imperious  noble  cries ; 

'  Away,  and  leave  us  free ! 
Off !  or  by  all  the  powers  of  hell, 

Thou  too  shalt  hunted  be ! 

'  Here,  fellows !   let  this  villain  prove 
My  threats  were  not  in  vain : 

Loud  lash  around  his  piteous  face 
The  whips  of  all  my  train.' 

Tis  said,  tis  done:   swift  o'er  the  fence 
The  baron  foremost  springs ; 

Swift  follow  hound,  and  horse,  and  man, 
And  loud  the  welkin  rings. 


" 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  89 

Loud  rings  the  welkin  with  their  shouts, 

While  man,  and  horse,  and  hound, 
Ruthless  tread  down  each  ripening  ear, 

Wide  o'er  the  smoking  ground. 

O'er  heath  and  field,  o'er  hill  and  dale, 

Scared  by  the  approaching  cries, 
Still  close  pursued,  yet  still  unreach'd, 

Their  destin'd  victim  flies. 

Now  mid  the  lowing  herds  that  graze 

Along  yon  verdant  plain, 
He  hopes,  concealed  from  every  eye, 

A  safe  retreat  to  gain. 

In  vain,  for  now  the  savage  train 

Press  ravening  on  his  heels : 
See,  prostrate  at  the  baron's  feet 

The  affrighted  herdsman  kneels. 

Fear  for  the  safety  of  his  charge 

Inspires  his  faltering  tongue; 
'  O  spare,'  he  cries,  '  these  harmless  beasts, 

Nor  work  an  orphan's  wrong. 

'  Think,  here  thy  fury  would  destroy 

A  friendless  widow's  all !' 
He  spoke: — the  gentle  stranger  strove 

To  enforce  soft  pity's  call. 

Not  so  persuades  his  sullen  frere, 

But  pleas'd  with  darkest  deeds ; 
Tis  his  to  sway  the  baron's  heart, 

Reckless  what  mercy  pleads. 

'  Away,  audacious  hound !'  he  cries ; 

'  Twould  do  my  heart's-blood  good, 
Might  I  but  see  thee  transform'd  to  beasts 

Thee  and  thy  beggar  brood. 


90  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

'  Then,  to  the  very  gates  of  heaven, 

Who  dare  to  say  me  nay ! 
With  joy  I'd  hunt  the  losel  fry; 

Come  fellows,  no  delay !' 

See,  far  and  wide  the  murderous  throng 
Deal  many  a  deadly  wound; 

Mid  slaughter'd  numbers,  see,  the  hart 
Sinks  bleeding  on  the  ground. 

Yet  still  he  summons  all  his  strength 

For  one  poor  effort  more, 
Staggering  he  flies ;  his  silver  sides 

Drop  mingled  sweat  and  gore. 

And  now  he  seeks  a  last  retreat 

Deep  in  the  darkling  dell, 
Where  stands,  amidst  embowering  oaks, 

A  hermit's  holy  cell. 

E'en  here  the  madly  eager  train 
Rush  swift  with  impious  rage, 

When,  lo !  persuasion  on  his  tongue, 
Steps  forth  the  reverend  sage. 

'  O  cease  thy  chase !  nor  thus  invade 

Religion's  free  abode ; 
For  know,  the  tortur'd  creature's  groans 

E'en  now  have  reach'd  his  god. 

'  They  cry  at  heaven's  high  mercy  seat, 
For  vengeance  on  thy  head ; 

O  turn,  repentant  turn,  ere  yet 
The  avenging  bolt  is  sped.' 

Once  more  religion's  cause  in  vain 
The  gentle  stranger  pleads ; 

Once  more,  alas !  his  sullen  frere 
A  willing  victim  leads. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  91 

'  Dash  on  !'  the  harden'd  sinner  cries ; 

'  Shalt  thou  disturb  our  sport  ? 
No !  boldly  would  I  urge  the  chase 

In  heaven's  own  inmost  court. 

'  What  reck  I  then  thy  pious  rage  ? 

No  mortal  man  I  fear : 
Not  god  in  all  his  terrors  arm'd 

Should  stay  my  fix'd  career.' 

He  cracks  his  whip,  he  winds  his  horn, 

He  calls  his  vassal-crew; 
Lo!  horse  and  hound,  and  sage  and  cell, 

All  vanish  from  his  view. 

All,  all,  are  gone! — no  single  rack 

His  eager  eye  can  trace ; 
And  silence,  still  as  death,  has  hush'd 

The  clamors  of  the  chase. 

In  vain  he  spurs  his  courser's  sides, 

Nor  back  nor  forward  borne; 
He  winds  his  horn,  he  calls  aloud, 

But  hears  no  sound  return. 

And  now  inclos'd  in  deepest  night, 

Dark  as  the  silent  grave, 
He  hears  the  sullen  tempest  roar, 

As  roars  the  distant  wave. 

Loud  and  louder  still  the  storm 

Howls  through  the  troubled  air; 
Ten  thousand  thunders  from  on  high 

The  voice  of  judgment  bear. 

Accursed  before  god  and  man, 

Unmoved  by  threat  or  prayer ; 
Creator,  nor  created,  aught 

Thy  frantic  rage  would  spare. 


92        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

'  Think  not  in  vain  creation's  lord 
Has  heard  his  creature's  groan ; 

E'en  now  the  torch  of  vengeance  flames 
High  by  his  awful  throne. 

'  Now,  hear  thy  doom !  to  aftertimes 

A  dread  example  given, 
For  ever  urge  thy  wild  career, 

By  fiendish  hell-hounds  driven.' 

The  voice  had  ceased ;  the  sulphurous  flash 
Shot  swift  from  either  pole ; 

Sore  shook  the  grove ;  cold  horror  seized 
The  trembling  miscreant's  soul. 

Again  the  rising  tempest  roars, 

Again  the  lightnings  play; 
And  every  limb,  and  every  nerve 

Is  frozen  with  dismay. 

He  sees  a  giant's  swarthy  arm 
Start  from  the  yawning  ground; 

He  feels  a  demon  grasp  his  head, 
And  rudely  wrench  it  round. 

In  torrents  now  from  every  side, 

Pours  fast  a  fiery  flood ; 
On  each  o'erwhelming  wave  upborne, 

Loud  howls  the  hellish  brood. 

Sullen  and  grisly  gleams  the  light, 
Now  red,  now  green,  now  blue; 

Whilst  o'er  the  gulf  the  fiendish  train 
Their  destined  prey  pursue. 

In  vain  he  shrieks  with  wild  despair, 

In  vain  he  strives  to  fly ; 
Still  at  his  back  the  hell-born  crew 

Their  cursed  business  ply. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  93 

By  day,  full  many  a  fathom  deep 

Below  earth's  smiling  face; 
By  night,  high  through  the  troubled  air, 

They  speed  their  endless  chase. 

In  vain  to  turn  his  eyes  aside 

He  strives  with  wild  affright ; 
So  never  may  those  maddening  scenes 

Escape  his  tortured  sight. 

Still  must  he  see  those  dogs  of  hell 

Close  hovering  on  his  track ; 
Still  must  he  see  the  avenging  scourge 

Uplighted  at  his  back. 

Now  this  is  the  wild  baron's  hunt; 

And  many  a  village  youth, 
And  many  a  sportsman  (dare  they  speak) 

Could  vouch  the  awful  truth. 

For  oft  benighted  midst  the  wilds 

The  fiendish  troop  they  hear, 
Now  shrieking  shrill,  now  cursing  loud, 

Come  thundering  through  the  air. 

No  hand  shall  stay  those  dogs  of  hell 

Or  quench  that  sea  of  fire, 
Till  god's  own  dreadful  day  of  doom 

Shall  bid  the  world  expire ! 

Rambler's  Mag.,  I -137,  [1809],  N.  Y. 
[G.  A.  Burger,  Der  wilde  J'dger.] 


III. 

TRANSLATIONS     OF     DUTCH,     DANISH, 
NORWEGIAN    AND     ICELANDIC     PO 
ETRY,     AND     ORIGINAL     POEMS 
REFERRING    TO    THE    GER 
MAN    COUNTRIES. 


We  hear  from  Annopolis-Royal  that  a  play  was  acted  the  last  Winter 
for  the  Entertainment  of  the  Officers  and  Ladies  at  that  Place  and 
that  the  following  Lines  were  Part  of  the  Prologue  compos'd  and 
spoke  on  that  Occasion. 

Whilst  to  relieve  a  generous  Queen's  Distress, 
Whom  proud,  ambitious  Potentates  oppress : 
Our  king  pursues  the  most  effectual  Ways, 
Sooths  some  to  Peace,  and  there  the  Storm  allays ; 
And  against  others,  who  're  more  loath  to  yield, 
He  leads  his  Britons  to  the  German  Field : 
Where  to  his  Cost  th'  insulting  Foe  has  found 
What  'tis  with  Britons  to  dispute  the  Ground : 
We  still  enjoying  Peace  in  this  cold  Clime, 
With  innocent  diversions  pass  our  Time,  &c. 
Amer.  Mag.  and  Hist.  Chron.,  1-348,  Apr.  1744,  Boston. 


WINTER,    A    POEM. 

By  the  same  [i.  e.,  Annandius]. 
The  twelfth  stanza : 

Thrice  happy  they  !  but  why  my  muse, 
To  rural  pastimes  so  profuse? 
The  crouded  city  surely  yields, 
95 


96  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

More  joy  than  ice  and  snowy  fields? 
Here  folks  are  witty  and  well  dress'd, 
And  blooming  beauty  is  caress'd 
In  ev'ry  form  art  can  devise — 
With  soothing  flattery  solemn  lies, 
And  all  that  nymphs  deluded  prize 
Here  fashions  reign,  and  modes  prevail, 
And  in  twelve  moons  again  grow  stale, 
Thus  ever  vary,  ever  change, 
Yet  ever  please  —  a  thing  most  strange! 
And  here  each  thing  is  told  that's  new^j 
What  Loundoun  or  what  Richlieu  do,  V 
Each  secret  expedition  too —  J 

And  then  great  FREDERICK'S  noble  feats, 
When  he  th'  imperial  forces  beats. 
Such  themes  the  lazy  hours  beguile ; 
There's  nothing  else  that's  worth  our  while. 

Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  1-238,  Feb.  1758,  Phila. 

To  the  Proprietors,  &c. 
GENTLEMEN  : 

The  honour  of  becoming  a  father  has  made  me  desirous  of  ushering  the 
following  Ode  into  the  world,  which  is  my  own  true,  honest,  and  lawfully 
begotten  birth.  I,  therefore  know  of  no  better  method  than  to  commit  it  to 
the  care  of  gentlemen  of  your  abilities  and  public  character;  for  if  it  remains 
with  me  it  must  live  and  die  in  obscurity. 

Philadelphia,  February  25th.  PHILANDREIA. 


ON    THE    COMPLEAT    VICTORY    GAIN'D    BY 

HIS   PRUSSIAN  MAJESTY  OVER  THE  FRENCH 

AND    IMPERIAL   ARMY,    THE    5TH    OF 

NOVEMBER,    1757. 

A  Pindaric  Ode. 

'Tis  he !   'tis  he !   I  hear  him  from  afar, 
Thundering  like  the  God  of  War ; 
To  Rosbach's  plains,  in  dread  array, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  97 

The  god-like  hero  bends  his  way ! 

Hark !  the  rattling  rumbling  noise  of  drums ! 

He  comes,  he  comes ! 
See,  Prussia's  awful  king's  at  hand ! 
He  speaks,  he  speaks  !   attentive  stand  ! 
His  well  known  voice,  the  gallant  warriours  hear, 
And  bend  their  wide-extended  wings  both  front  and  rear, 

Which  half  enclose  him  round. 
Stern  as  the  face  of  war,  and  yet  serene,  ^| 
With  grace  attractive,  and  majestic  mein,    V 
Was  the  mighty  monarch  seen.  J 

With  martial  rage  each  bosom  glow'd, 
While  from  his  lips  those  moving  accents  flow'd  — 
'  My  valiant  troops,  my  dear  and  trusty  friends, 
'  The  hour  at  last  is  come,  in  which  depends 
'  What  ever  is,  or  should  to  us  be  dear, 
'  Upon  the  sword-unsheath'd,  and  glitt'ring  spear. 
'  For  PROTESTANTS-WW&OTW  you  fight :  Your  cause  is  good, 
'  Which  you  have  yet  maintain'd,  thro'  seas  of  richest  blood. 
'  And,  bear  me  witness,  that  your  Prince  thus  far, 
'  Hath  shar'd  each  danger  in  this  glorious  war ; 
'  Nor  shall  it  e'er  by  envious*  tongue  be  told 
'  Your  leader  shrunk  from  watching,  hunger,  cold, 
'  And  left  the  burden  to  his  vet'rans  bold 

'  Oh  !   no ;  my  faithful  bands  ! 

'  With  you  your  FRED'RICK  stands, 
'  For  Freedom  ready  to  impart 
'  Those  crimson  drops  that  roll  around  his  heart ' — 
He  spoke :   And  acclamations  loud, 
Like  thunder  bursting  from  a  cloud, 
Struck  th'  approaching  foe  with  awe ; 

And  the  madly-floating  sound 

Fill'd  the  wide  extended  plains  around, 
With  the  wild  Huzza. 

Each  warrior,  big  with  rage, 


*  We  have  taken  the  liberty  to  make  two  or  three  small  alterations  here, 
which  we  flatter  ourselves  the  ingenious  author's  judgment  will  approve  of 
and  excuse,  as  they  do  not  affect  the  sense. 
7 


98         TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Stands  panting  to  engage ; 
And  now  the  voice  of  furious  Joy 
Again  bursts  forth  into  the  vaulted  sky ; 
And  the  rude  rocks  rebound 
The  warlike  trumpet's  solemn  sound  — 

''Destroy!   destroy!   destroy!'' 
As  water  roaring  from  a  mountain's  side 
Tears  down  whole  rocks  with  its  impetuous  tide ; 
And  rolling  through  the  plains  with  furious  sweep, 
Bears  off  the  shepherd's  cottage,  and  his  sheep, 
Into  the  surging  of  th'  astonish'd  deep ; 
So  each  band, 
Sword  in  hand, 
Pour'd  on  the  foe; 
Thund'ring,  flashing, 
Fiercely  clashing 
Arms  on  Arms  — 
Glory's  Charms, 

Fir'd  each  breast  with  martial  glow, 
Ah,  see  what  piteous  scenes  appear. 

When  warriors  yield  their  breath ; 
Now  dying  groans  invade  the  ear, 

They  sink  in  glorious  death. 
Prussian  rage  the  foe  confounds, 

Some  stagger,  fall,  are  slain, 
Some  cover'd  o'er  with  blood  and  wounds, 
Lie  weltring  on  the  plain, 

Surpriz'd  and  confounded, 
With  horror  surrounded, 
And  pale  fear  half  dead, 
They're  vanquish'd  and  fled. 
Hark !  hark !  the  trumpet's  sound 
A  shout  for  Victory  spreads  around ; 
And  Victory  the  vales, 
And  Victory  the  dales, 
And  Victory  the  tufted  hills  rebound ! 
When  muttering  thunders  roll  along  the  sky. 
You  may  have  seen  the  winged  lightnings  fly ; 


IN   AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  99 

Quick  as  thought,  the  flashes  glance 
Thro'  th'  immensurable  wide  expanse  — 
So  nimble  warriours  flew, 
When  they  gave  their  foes  the  rout, 
With  this  universal  shout, 

"  Pursue  !   pursue !   pursue  !" 
O'er  carcasses  of  heroes  slain, 
The  mighty  victors  rode, 
Where  shiver'd  armour  strew 'd  the  plain 
Empurpled  o'er  with  blood ; 
Now  thund'ring  on  their  broken  rear, 
He  spreads  destruction,  death  and  fear. 
Till  day  forsakes  him,  and  the  sullen  night, 
In  thickest  gloom  of  hov'ring  shades,  descends 
To  the  assistance  of  her  ghastly  friends, 
And  screens  the  vanquish' d  from  the  victor's  sight ! 
Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  1-240,  Feb.  1758,  Phila. 


ODE   ON    THE   LATE    VICTORY    OBTAINED 
BY    THE    KING    OF    PRUSSIA, 

By  the  same  [i.  c.,  Annandius]. 

I. 

Hail  matchless  monarch  !   prince  renown'd  ! 
Long  be  thy  head  with  laurels  crown'd, 

By  victories  obtained ! 
For  liberty  long  hast  thou  stood, 
In  crimson  fields  of  war  and  blood 
That  peace  may  be  regain 'd. 

II. 

When  Austria  and  aspiring  Gaul 
Determin'd  kingdoms  to  enthral, 

Lo  Prussia's  pow'rful  prince! 
With  watchful  eye  and  warlike  hand, 
Makes  them  aghast  and  trembling  stand, 

Rais'd  up  by  providence. 


100       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

III. 

As  when  a  Lion  rears  his  head, 
The  forest  wide  is  fill'd  with  dread, 

Each  creature  seeks  his  den ; 
Or  when  Leviathan  the  great 
Displays  himself  in  finny  state 

He  terrifies  the  main. 

IV. 

In  fair  record  shall  long  remain 
The  DAY,  when  on  Thuringia's  plain 

SOUBISE  before  him  fled; 
When  HILBOURGHAUSEN'S  num'rous  band 
'Gainst  Prussian  valor  could  not  stand, 

With  terror  almost  dead. 

V. 

With  haste  they  fled,  and  bless'd  the  night, 
Which  hid  them  from  the  victor's  sight, 

And  favoured  their  retreat. 
Near  Freybourg  walls,  the  Unstrut  pass'd. 
On  hills  of  Eckersberg  harras'd, 

They  mourn'd  their  adverse  fate. 

VI. 

O  glorious  prince !   O  warlike  train ! 
Who  hunger,  cold  and  toil  sustain 

With  brave  unyielding  mind! 
To  you  proud  Austria  shall  submit, 
And  Louis  lovingly  shall  greet 

The  Prussian  as  his  friend. 

VII. 

In  characters  of  purest  gold 
Thy  speech  deserves  to  be  enroll'd, 

Before  the  battle  made ; 
Each  Soldier  stil'd  great  FREDERICK'S  friend, 
Who  can  his  country's  rights  defend 

When  her  fierce  foes  invade. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  IOI 

VIII. 

Who  would,  in  battle  lag  behind, 
That  serves  a  prince  so  great,  so  kind, 

In  every  danger  near? 
When  monarchs'  lives  are  laid  at  stake, 
What  subject  would  his  king  forsake? 

What  room  is  left  for  fear? 

IX. 

Europe  on  thee  has  fix'd  her  eye, 
Great  monarch  !  All  on  thee  rely 

Her  balance  just  to  keep. 
May  this  great  end  thy  labours  crown, 
Be  sempiternal  thy  renown, 

When  thou  in  dust  shall  sleep. 
Philadelphia,  February  10,  1758. 

Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  1-240,  Feb.  1758,  Phila. 


The  same  worthy  motives  that  induced  the  author  to  send  us  the  following 
poem,  will  induce  us  to  give  it  place  this  month,  altho  we  are  already  crowded 
with  materials.  We  think  it  our  duty,  as  Britons  and  Protestants,  to  take 
every  opportunity  of  celebrating  such  an  illustrious  hero  as  the  King  of  Prus 
sia;  and,  however  unequal  the  strains  may  be  thought,  yet  if  they  contribute 
ever  so  little  to  raise  an  imitation  of  his  noble  and  almost  divine  atchiev- 
ments,  in  the  cause  of  Religion  and  Liberty,  our  end  will  be  fully  answered. 

ON  THE  GLORIOUS  VICTORY  OBTAINED  BY 

THE   HEROICK  KING  OF   PRUSSIA  OVER   THE 

IMPERIAL   ARMY    NEAR    NEWMARK    IN 

SILESIA   THE   5TH   DECEMBER   1757. 

I. 

My  muse !  again  attempt  the  lyre  ; 
Rouse !   rouse !   thy  whole  poetic  fire ! 
Great  FREDRICK'S  deeds  do  still  require 

More  ample  praise. 
Let  his  great  acts  the  verse  inspire, 

And  tuneful  be  thy  lays. 


102  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

II. 

Illustrious  HANNIBAL  of  old, 
CAESAR  the  brave  and  SCIPIO  bold, 
For  battles  won  stand  high  enroll'd 

In  hist'ry's  page ! 
Let  Fred'rick's  name  with  theirs  be  told, 

The  HERO  of  his  age ! 

III. 

Rosbach !  thy  plain  the  VICTOR  owns ! 
'Twas  fill'd  with  shrieks  and  dying  groans, 
And  mangled  limbs  and  shatter'd  bones  — 

In  heaps  they  lay ! 
The  vanquished  Gaul  as  yet  bemoans 

That  inauspicious  day. 

IV. 

Yea  FREDERICK  bent  on  conquests  new, 
Doth  ALEXANDER-like  pursue, 
As  if  the  world  he  would  subdue  — 

Undaunted  prince ! 
That  thou  'rt  a  Hero  great  and  true 

Each  action  doth  evince. 

V. 

Silesia  first  demands  relief, 

His  losses  there  augment  his  grief; 

Thitherward  the  Prussians  and  their  CHIEF, 

To  BEVERN'S  aid 
Make  hasty  marches ;  and  in  brief 

Their  parts  they  nobly  play'd. 

VI. 

See !   see  !  the  godlike  MAN  proceed  ! 
And  vet'ran  bands  to  battle  lead, 
Inur'd  to  toil,  and  warlike  deed, 

A  hardy  race ! 
Such  troops  are  princes'  friends  indeed, 

And  do  their  LEADER  grace. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  103 

VII. 

The  trumpet's  sound,  and  loudest  noise 
Of  martial  drums,  increase  their  joys ; 
Not  by  compulsion  led,  but  choice, 

And  bold  to  fight, 
Their  Country's  cause  in  mind  they  poise ; 

War!   War!   is  their  delight ! 

VIII. 

Now  they  engage  with  furious  shout ; 
And  join  in  battle  fierce  and  stout, 
Th'  invet'rate  Foe  at  length  they  rout ; 

And  loud  they  cry — 
O!  matchless  Prussians!  ne'er  give  out; 

Pursue !  Cut  off !  Destroy  ! 

IX. 

Th'  intrepid  victors  far  and  near 
Spread  fierce  destruction  on  the  rear, 
Their  enemies  with  trembling  fear 

Their  arms  lay  down  ; 
Who  whilom  haughty  and  severe, 

Had  deem'd  the  field  their  own. 

X. 

See  them  triumphant  bear  away 
Th'  imperial  standards  waving  gay ! 
A  thousand  trophies  line  the  way; 

As  they  return, 
Beneath  their  feet,  a  hapless  prey, 

The  vanquish 'd  mourn. 

XI. 

Behold  the  blood  impurpled  plain, 
And  shiver'd  armour  of  the  slain ! 
Their  dreams  of  honour,  ah  !  how  vain  ? 

Gasping  they  lie ! 
Now  of  their  wounds  complain, 

Now  sink  and  faint  and  die. 


104  .  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

XII. 

Such  is  th'  event  of  human  things, 
The  fates  of  emp'rors  and  of  kings ; 
Death  in  the  rear  disaster  brings, 

Dreadful  to  see ! 
Such  as  great  POPE  or  HOMER  sings, 

Strains  far  too  high  for  me. 

XIII. 

But  CHARLES  and  valiant  DAUN  retreat, 
Who  lately  led  an  army  great — 
At  Breslau  now  in  shatter'd  state 

They  rendezvous : 
And  there  bemoan  their  adverse  fate, 

And  dismal  overthrow. 

XIV. 

The  Prussian  Chief  pursues  with  speed, 
At  his  approach  they're  fill'd  with  dread, 
From  whose  terrific  arm,  dismay'd, 

So  late  they  flew  ! 
O  FREDRICK  !  matchless  prince,  proceed, 

Thy  glorious  course  pursue! 

XV. 

To  him  those  Heros  yield  the  town, 

And  him  a  greater  Hero  own ; 

Who  soon  its  walls  could  batter  down, 

And  lay  them  low. 

Long  may  he  wear  the  Prussian  Crown, 
And  curb  each  haughty  Foe. 

—  Annandius. 
March  nth,  1758. 
Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  1-279,  Mar.  1757,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  105 

A   LITERAL   TRANSLATION    OF   THE    KING 
OF    PRUSSIA'S    ODE. 

I. 

Oh  God  !   all  powerful  God ! 

Invincible,  unknown ! 
Creator,  father  of  all ; 
Whom  every  nation  implores ; 
Whom  the  Barbarian  worships  in  the  wind. 

By  what  name  will  it  please  thee 
That  I  shall  address  thee?   Oh  infinite, 

All  wise,  and  eternal  spirit ! 
At  the  foot  of  thy  sacred  throne  I  most  humbly  bow  my  head. 

II. 

Forsaken  by  my  only  friends, 

In  a  strange  country, 
Where  winter  was  near  killing  us ; 
The  enraged  enemy  on  every  side, 
With  their  savage  instruments, 
The  sword  and  fire  consuming, 

As  if  sacrificers, 

They  came  with  their  deadly  rage, 
And  hasten'd  to  destroy  us  with  cries  of  triumph. 

III. 

But  in  thy  penetrating  view, 
How  vain  are  powerful  troops ! 
I,  still  intrepid,  dare  the  combat ; 
My  buckler  and  my  lance  being  my  cause : 

And  behold  the  armies  meet ; 
They  turn  their  backs,  we  following  to  punish : 
Victorious  each  of  my  soldiers 

Seems  to  carry  of  war 
The  most  terrible  thunder ; 
And  every  arm  is  a  thousand  in  the  fury  of  the  combat. 


106        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

IV. 

Then  I  owe  thee  success 
To  fortune !  why  so  ? 
Justice  succoured  me; 
From  on  high  she  cast  down  her  eyes ; 
And  when  she  perceived  the  contending  parties, 
She  lifted  up  her  hand  to  weigh 

The  right  of  each  side, 
And  as  she  found  the  balance  incline,  she  employ'd  her  sword. 


The  King  of  Prussia  employs  himself  in  times  of  peace  in  the  following 
manner:  He  rises  at  five;  on  business  till  seven;  dresses,  and  receives  letters 
and  petitions  till  nine;  from  nine  to  eleven  with  his  ministers;  then  on  the 
parade,  to  exercise  the  guards;  dines  at  half  an  hour  after  twelve  with  some 
of  his  officers;  at  half  an  hour  after  one  he  retires  till  five;  then  somebody 
reads  to  him  till  seven;  then  the  concert;  at  nine  come  the  men  of  genius; 
they  sup  half  an  hour  after,  and  converse  till  eleven;  then  the  king  retires, 
and  at  twelve  goes  to  bed.  —  He  is  a  statesman,  soldier,  author,  and  musician; 
indefatigable  in  business;  and  by  method  overlooks  and  directs  everything; 
very  frugal;  without  farce  of  state;  the  idle  officers  of  the  court  have  the 
usual  titles;  but  no  pay  for  the  drones,  tho'  they  are  mostly  officers. 


THE  THIRD  PSALM  PARAPHRASED,  ALLUD 
ING   TO    HIS    PRUSSIAN    MAJESTY. 

Look  down,  O  God !  regard  my  cry ! 

On  thee  my  hopes  depend : 
I'm  close  beset,  without  ally; 

Be  thou  my  shield  and  friend. 
Confed'rate  kings  and  princes  league, 

On  ev'ry  side  attack 
To  perpetrate  the  black  intrigue 

But  thou  canst  drive  them  back, 
Long  did  I  fear  their  wink  and  nod ; 

In  close  cabals  they  cry'd, 
There  is  no  help  for  him  in  God; 

His  kingdom  we'll  divide. 
Amid  their  army's  dreadful  glare 

Thou  gav'st  me  inward  might, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  107 

Teaching  my  arm  the  art  of  war, 

My  fingers  how  to  fight. 
Tho'  vet'ran  troops  my  camp  invest, 

Expert  in  war's  alarms, 
Calmly  I  lay  me  down  to  rest 

In  thy  protecting  arms. 
Nor  will  I  fear  their  empty  boasts, 

Tho'  thousands  thousands  join ; 
Since  thou  art  stil'd  the  God  of  hosts, 

And  victory  is  thine. 
Arise,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause, 

O !  save  me  by  thy  pow'r ; 
If  e'er  I  reverenc'd  thy  laws, 

Guide  this  important  hour! 
Tis  done!  —  they  shudder  with  dismay; 

My  troops  maintain  their  ground : 
Lo!   their  embattl'd  lines  give  way, 

And  we  are  victors  crown'd ! 
Success,  ye  kings,  is  not  your  gift ; 

To  heav'n  it  does  belong : 
The  race  not  always  to  the  swift 

Nor  battle  to  the  strong. 
New  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  IV-78,  Apr.  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


SPEECH    OF    THE    PRINCE    OF    BRUNSWICK 

TO    THE    HANOVERIAN    AND    HESSIAN 

TROOPS. 

To  injured  troops  thus  gallant  BRUNSWICK  spoke ; 
'  Shall  we  with  tameness  bear  the  Gallic  yoke ! 
'  Will  ye,  O  Veterans,  inur'd  to  pains 
'  And  toils  of  War,  drag  ignominious  chains  ? 
'  Turn  and  behold !  behold  where  hostile  bands 
'  Seize  on  your  properties,  lay  waste  your  lands, 
'  Your  daughters,  wives,  snatch'd  forcibly  away, 
'  Slaves  to  proud  Gallia's  sons,  to  best  a  prey ! 


I  OS  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

'  Hark !  how  with  piercing  Cries,  the  tender  Maid, 
'  By  force  subdu'd,  implores  her  father's  aid ; 
'  In  agonies  repeats  her  brother's  name, 
'  To  flay  the  ruffians  and  preserve  her  fame ! 
'  Rouze !  GERMANS  !  rouze !  a  glorious  vengeance  take ; 
'  Religion,  honour,  freedom,  all's  at  stake ! 
..."  Enough,"  they  cry'd,  "  let  FERDINAND  proceed, 
"  We  dare  to  follow,  where  he  dares  to  lead." 
Fir'd  by  their  country's  wrongs,  to  arms  they  fly, 
Resolv'd  to  save  her,  or  resolved  to  die. 
New  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  IV -80,  Apr.  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


ON    A    CARGO    OF    FRENCH    MUFFS    SEIZ'D 
BY   THE    PRUSSIANS. 

Lewis,  the  winter  harsh,  and  climate  rough, 
To  each  of  his  nice  captains,  sends  a  muff, 
Knowing  his  troops  too  tender  to  resist 
The  foe,  without  a  furr  to  guard  his  wrist ; 
For  who  could  prime  his  gun,  or  pistol  hold, 
Whose  aching  fingers  were  benumbed  with  cold. 

Prussia,  a  different  scheme  in  war  approves ; 
Whose  hardy  veterans  charge  without  their  gloves. 
Defy  the  rigour  of  the  chilling  air, 
And  fight,  and  conquer  with  their  knuckles  bare. 

Bourbon!  if  wreathes  and  triumphs  are  thy  aim, 
Think  of  some  wiser  way  to  purchase  fame : 
Some  other  arts  thy  rival  to  subdue, 
Soft  muffs,  without  keen  swords,  will  never  do ; 
Thy  shivering  troops  would  act  a  better  part, 
Would'st  thou  send  something  that  could  warm  their  heart ; 
Less  for  their  valour  than  their  heels  admir'd 
With  fighting  oft'  .  .  .  with  flying  seldom  tir'd, 
Success  thy  arms  would  never  fail  to  meet, 
Were  battles  to  be  won  by  nimble  feet. 
New  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  IV- 80,  Apr.  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  109 

THE    KING    OF    PRUSSIA'S    ODE 
IMITATED   IN   RHIME. 


Father  of  all !  all  pow'rful  Lord ! 

Infinitely  unknown ! 

By  heathen,  and  by  saint  ador'd, 

Tho'  differently,  yet  one ; 

By  what  great  name  shall  I  address 

Thee  everlasting  king? 

Oh !  how  my  gratitude  express  ? 

Oh  !  how  thy  praises  sing  ? 
But,  O  great  God !  omniscient  ever  just, 
Permit  towards  thy  throne  to  bow,  a  particle  of  dust. 

2 

By  friends  forsaken  ev'ry  where, 

Alone,  the  brunt  to  stand, 

Winter's  inclement  cold  to  bear, 

And  in  a  foreign  Land ; 

The  foe,  enrag'd  on  ev'ry  side, 

Dire  implements  of  war 

In  various  shapes  and  forms  provide, 

And  doom  them  for  our  share. 
Heav'ns  !  with  what  fury  to  the  charge  they  fly ; 
Forestal  the  vict'ry,  but  forget  that  man  was  born  to  die ! 

3- 

Yet  he  who  frequently  has  said, 

That  numbers  don't  avail, 

Inspir'd  us  not  to  be  dismay'd, 

But  stand,  fight,  and  prevail : 

The  battle  join'd,  the  foe  gave  way, 

Superior  valour  own'd, 

And  left  to  us  a  glorious  day, 

With  spoils  and  honours  crown'd : 
Each  single  Prussian  arm  the  hero  play'd, 
Dealt  round  an  hundred  deaths,  an  hundred  conquests  made. 


1 10       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

4- 

Is  it  to  fortune  then  I  owe 

This  unthought  for  success  ? 

Fortune  is  blind,  it  can't  be  so, 

I  must  some  other  guess : 

JUSTICE,  bright  heav'nly  maid,  beheld 

The  dire  contention  rise, 

Saw,  and  her  sacred  beam  she  held 

Suspended  in  the  skies : 

The  Austrian  scale  kick'd  up,  by  our's  weigh'd  down, 
Justice  approv'd,  and  straight  ordain'd  the  field  to  be  our  own. 
New  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  V-IIQ,  May  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


THE    RELAXATION    OF   WAR: 

OR    THE    HERO'S    PHILOSOPHY,    &C.    WROTE    BY    THE    KING    OF 
PRUSSIA,    DURING    HIS    RESIDENCE    AT    BRESLAU. 

Love  by  Hope  is  still  sustain'd, 

Zeal  by  the  Reward  that's  gain'd ; 

In  Pow'r,  Authority  begins, 

Weakness  strength  from  Prudence  wins ; 

Honesty  is  Credit's  wealth, 

Temp' ranee  the  support  of  Health; 

Wit  from  calm  Contentment  springs, 

Content  'tis  Competence  that  brings, 

Competence,  as  all  may  see, 

Springs  from  good  O economy. 

Maids,  to  fan  a  lover's  fire, 
Sweetness  more  than  charms  require ; 
Authors  more  from  Truth  may  gain 
Than  from  tropes  that  please  in  vain ; 
Arts  will  less  than  Virtues  tend 
Happiness  and  Life  to  blend ; 
He  that  Happiness  wou'd  get 
Prudence  more  must  prize  than  Wit, 
More  than  Riches  rosy  Health, 
Blameless  Quiet  more  than  Wealth. 


IN    AMERICAN    MAGAZINES.  Ill 

Nought  to  owe,  and  nought  to  hoard, 
Little  Land  and  little  Board, 
Little  Fav'rite,  true  and  kind, 
These  are  blessings  to  my  mind. 
I,  when  winter  comes,  desire 
Little  Room  but  plenteous  Fire, 
Temp'rate  Glasses,  gen'rous  Wine, 
Dishes  few  whene'er  I  dine. 
Yes,  my  sober  thoughts  are  such, 
Man  must  never  have  too  much ; 
Not  too  much  .  .  .  What  solid  sense. 
Three  such  little  words  dispense ! 
Too  much  Rest  benumbs  the  mind ; 
Too  much  Strife  distracts  mankind ; 
Too  much  Negligence  is  Sloth; 
Too  much  Zeal  is  Folly's  growth ; 
Too  much  Love  our  peace  annoys, 
Too  much  Physic  life  destroys  ; 
Too  much  Cunning's  fraudful  art, 
Too  much  Firmness  want  of  heart 
Too  much  sparing  makes  a  knave ; 
Those  are  rash  that  are  too  brave ; 
Too  much  Wealth  like  weight  oppresses ; 
Too  much  Fame  with  care  distresses ; 
Too  much  Pleasure  death  will  bring, 
Too  much  Wit's  a  dang'rous  thing ; 
Too  much  Trust  is  folly's  guide, 
Too  much  Spirit  is  but  pride ; 
He's  a  dupe  that  is  too  free, 
Too  much  Bounty  weak  must  be ; 
Too  much  Complaisance  a  knave, 
Too  much  Zeal  to  please  a  slave. 
This  TOO  MUCH,  tho'  bad  it  seem, 
Chang'd  with  ease  to  good  you  deem ; 
But  in  this  you  err  my  friend, 
For  on  Trifles  all  depend. 

Trifles  great  effects  produce. 
Both  of  pleasure  and  of  use; 
Trifles  often  turn  the  scale, 


112  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

When  in  love  or  law  we  fail ; 
Trifles  to  the  great  commend, 
Trifles  make  proud  beauty  bend ; 
Trifles  prompt  the  poet's  strain, 
Trifles  oft  distract  the  brain ; 
Trifles,  trifles  more  or  less, 
Give  us,  or  withold  success ; 
Trifles,  when  we  hope,  can  cheer, 
Trifles  smite  us  when  we  fear : 
All  the  flames  that  lovers  know, 
Trifles  quench  and  trifles  blow. 
N.  B.    This  little  poem  is  sold  for  6d.  sterl.  in  London,  and  3d.  here. 

Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  1-440,  June  1758,  Phila. 


ON   READING  IN  THE  PUBLICK  PAPERS,  OF 

A   LADY   THAT   HAD   ORDER'D   THE   KING   OF 

PRUSSIA   A   PRESENT   OF   A   THOUSAND 

POUNDS. 

No  more  let  haughty  Austrians  cry, 
"  Fred'rick  our  foe,  has  no  ally." 
The  British  fair  are  on  his  side, 
And  for  the  next  campaign  provide ; 
Their  fortunes  to  his  chests  transfer  .  .  . 
Money  the  sinews  is  of  war. 
For  him  they  plead,  and  much  can  say, 
For  him  they  grow  devout  and  pray ! 
For  him  their  martial  ardours  rise, 
And  arm  afresh  their  killing  eyes ; 
Those  shining  warriors  ne'er  were  beat, 
But  gain  a  conquest  by  retreat. 
New  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  VII -172,  July  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  113 

Gentlemen. 

The  following  small  poetical  performance  was  hastily  composed  at  the  re 
quest,  and  for  the  entertainment,  of  a  select  company  of  publick  spirited 
friends,  who  gave  me  a  short  notice  of  their  intention  to  dine  with  me,  and 
drink  the  protestant  champion's  health,  as  they  termed  the  king  of  Prussia. 
They  were  indulgent  enough  to  express  their  unanimous  approbation  of  the 
piece,  and  insisted  on  my  sending  it  up  to  you,  in  order  (if  you  would  be 
of  their  opinion)  to  occupy  a  leaf  in  your  Magazine.  I  hope  no  reader  will 
think  the  dignity  of  the  subject,  lessened  merely  by  the  familiar  strain,  in 
which  it  is  written:  when  they  consider,  that  such  seemed  most  suitable  to 
the  occasion,  the  verses  consisting  of  eleven  feet,  are  to  be  read,  like  the 
Greek  Iambics  (which  were,  anciently,  much  used  in  convivial  festivities) 
with  less  solemnity  and  more  rapidity,  than  the  common  heroic  measure  of  ten 
feet  in  our  language  will  admit. 

Kent,  Maryland,  July  14,  1758. 

THE    ROYAL    COMET. 

Mistaken  astronomers,  gaze  not  so  high  : 

The  Comet  foretold  is  not  yet  in  the  sky. 

It  shines  here  on  earth,  tho'  deputed  from  Heav'n ; 

And  remarkably  flam'd  last  year — Fifty  sev'n. 

In  *Wodoris  bold  figure,  three  thousand  years  past, 

O'er  ancient  Germania  its  lustre  it  cast. 

Next,  wearing  ^Arminius,  thy  form,  it  return'd ; 

And,  fatal  to  Rome's  blasted  legions,  it  burn'd. 

Now,  attended  with  all  the  thunders  of  war, 

Our  Prussia's  great  Frederick  is  that  Biasing  Star! 

Heav'ns  proxy  to  nations  opprest ;  but  a  Sign 

To  tyrants  he  comes  of  a  vengeance  divine. 

Eccentric  and  rapid  the  north  saw  him  rowl : 

(For  heroes  and  stars  seem  most  bright  near  the  pole) 

To  Britain  propitious  he  sheds  forth  his  rays ; 

While  Babel's  lewd  Harlot,  his  terrors  amaze. 

The  fierce  Russian  Bear  his  splendors  affright  ; 

And  Austria's  proud  Eagle  now  shrinks  from  his  light. 

*  The  founder  and  first  legislator  of  the  German  nation,  to  whom  after  his 
deification  the  fourth  day  of  our  week  was  consecrated,  now  contracted  from 
Wodon's  day  to  Wednesday. 

t  The  brave  assertor  of  his  country's  liberty  against  the  Roman  invasions, 
who  cut  to  pieces  three  legions  commanded  by  Quintilius  Varus  in  the  reign 
of  Augustus  Caesar. 


II4  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

While  freedom's  glad  sons  with  due  warmth  he  inspires; 
The  Lillies  of  France  are  all  scorch'd  in  his  fires. 
False  Stockholm  shall  find  the  Baltic  no  bar  is. 
Now  at  Vienna,  he'll  soon  be  at  Paris. 
O'er  Ocean  from  Europe  his  influence  hurl'd 
Shall  animate  here,  O  George,  thy  new  world. 
Our  laws,  our  religion,  our  rights  he  befriends, 
/     And  conquest  o'er  savage  invaders  portends ; 

O'er  Christians  miscall'd,  who  their  nature  disgrace, 
Bely  human  form,  and  god's  image  deface. 

Hail,  Living  Effulgence,  whose  all  honour'd  name 
Shall  grace,  first  of  mortals,  the  annals  of  fame ! 
Whose  glory  shall  spread,  thro'  each  age  and  each  clime, 
To  the  final  extent  of  space  and  of  time ! 
Who  the  Virtues  Trajan  and  Titus  unite ; 
The  victor  of  empires,  and  Mankind's  Delight! 
Hail,  radiance  auspicious,  from  light's  fountain  born 
Each  dark  hemisphere  to  relume  and  adorn ! 
To  whom  if  compared,  other  kings  all  appear, 
Like  little  dim  Sparklers,  round  Cynthia's  bright  sphere. 
The  wonder  of  monarchs,  a  patriot  imperial, 
Endow'd  with  a  spirit  of  vigour  aetherial! 
For  worth,  less  than  your's  in  pale  envy's  despite, 
Old  chiefs  claim'd  to  honours  celestial  a  right ! 
From  their  funeral  piles  in  flames  eagles  soar'd ; 
Earth's  heroes  grew  gods,  and  dead  kings  were  ador'd. 
Defensive,  fair  justice,  he  fights  in  thy  cause, 
And  his  sword,  lightning  pointed,  reluctant  he  draws, 
His  courage  on  aggregate  perils  still  grows>; 
And  his  triumphs  increase  from  multiply'd  foes. 
Ye  Ccesars,  ye  Bourbons,  ye  scourges  of  God, 
Ye  saw  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  how  he  rode: 
Revere  then  heav'ns  champion,  who,  charg'd  with  your  doom, 
Shall  quell  the  leagu'd  hosts  of  Gaul,  Satan  and  Rome! 
When  earth's  giant  crew,  each  with  manifold  hands, 
Assaulted  Jove's  seat,  in  confederate  bands ; 
Thus  Evius  asserted  the  throne  of  his  sire, 
And  heap'd  o'er  th'  aggressors  a  mountain  of  fire ! 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  115 

Ye  numberless  suns,  his  kindred,  on  high, 
For  six  thousand  years  whom  cou'd  ye  descry ; 
Whom,  like  him,  have  seen  of  meer  mortal  birth ; 
Tho  Alfred  and  Edward  once  dignify'd  earth  ? 
Blush,  blush,  scepter'd  pirates,  who  trail  your  faint  fire : 
Ye  meteors,  that  transiently  dazzling  expire ! 
Whose  lust  of  vain  pow'r  stains  the  page  of  your  story : 
What  glow  worms  ye  look,  and  how  lost  in  his  glory  ? 
Blush,  butchers,  whose  banners  red  massacre  shames, 
That  Honest  and  Great  should  bear  different  names ! 
Go  waste  the  creation  for  empire  and  pelf: 
The  globe  you  may  win,  but  he  conquers  himself! 
To  spare  he  subdues ;  as  he  sought  to  defend ; 
Dire  war's  his  forc'd  mean :   but  fair  peace  his  lov'd  end. 
Tho'  trophies  in  battles  o'er  your's  he  can  raise ; 
Yet  these  he  accounts  but  a  second  rate  praise. 
Who  by  victories  plum'd  ne'er  thinks  it  disgrace, 
To  sigh  that  they're  earn'd  by  the  blood  of  his  race. 
The  public's  first  servant,  and  humble  in  station ; 
He  found  his  firm  glory  on  wise  legislation. 
His  country's  great  father,  in  blessings  most  blest, 
Who  loses  his  own  for  the  world's  peace  and  rest ! 
Still  only  ambitious  of  fair-won  renown, 
And  olives  with  laurels  to  wreath  in  his  crown. 
Say  poet,  philosopher,  critick,  divine, 
What  art  thou?— Since  all,  but  omniscience  is  thine. 
Self-taught,  tho'  a  king !  and  now  destin'd  to  prove, 
That  Minerva,  like  thee,  sprang  perfect  from  Jove. 
Like  thee,  fam'd  for  wisdom ;  like  thee  for  alarms : 
The  goddess  of  science,  and  goddess  of  arms ! 

In  his  words,  in  his  deeds,  we  read  his  great  heart ; 
Too  gen'rous  for  fraud,  and  too  wise  for  mean  art. 
With  aw  still  reflecting  whence  all  grandeur  springs ; 
And  only  dependent  on  thee,  King  of  Kings ! 
The  mate  of  his  vet'rans  in  each  noble  feat ; 
The  first  in  the  charge,  and  the  last  in  retreat, 
A  statesman  and  monarch,  yet  true  to  his  word ; 
A  soldier  with  honour,  more  bright  than  his  sword. 
Whom  pow'r  ne'er  corrupted ;  whom  learning  adorns : 


Il6       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Who,  ev'n  in  idea,  court-turpitude  scorns: 
—  Yet  why  should  we  wonder,  that  this  he  disdains; 
When  the  blood  of  good  George  flows  rich  in  his  veins  ? 
Amer.  Mag.  and  Mo.  Chron.,  I  -551,  Aug.  1758,  Phila. 


MR.    VOLTAIRE'S    LETTER    TO    HIS 
PRUSSIAN    MAJESTY. 

Translated. 

Kind  Prince !   whom  the  admiring  world  must  own 

By  truth  and  nature  form'd  to  grace  a  throne : 

Whose  dawn  of  empire  like  the  solar  ray, 

Chears  half  the  North  with  hopes  of  lasting  day ; 

Receive  the  homage  which  the  Muses  send, 

Their  fav'rite  thou  !  their  guardian !   and  their  friend ! 

ARE  you  enthron'd  ?  .  .  .  And  does  your  goodness  deign 

To  own  your  poet,  and  regard  his  strain? 

O  blissful  moment !   dear  auspicious  grace ! 

Does  FRED'RICK'S  smile  my  wand'ring  steps  embrace? 

Does  his  great  soul  possess'd  of  wisdom's  balm, 

(Ever  benevolent,  and  ever  calm!) 

Leave  all  the  dignity  of  state  behind, 

To  meet  the  humble  lover  of  mankind  ? 

And  can  your  hand  the  royal  gift  impart 

To  style  me  friend  of  your  distinguish' d  heart? 

Fame  says  of  old,  that  Phoebus  heavenly  bright, 
O'er  the  wide  world  who  spreads  the  living  light, 
So  Jove  ordain'd  ...  his  splendid  carr  resign'd, 
To  live  below  and  humanize  mankind : 
No  more  his  brows  their  wonted  rays  reveal'd, 
A  shepherd's  form  the  exil'd  god  conceal'd ; 
In  Phrygian  wilds  to  an  unletter'd  race, 
He  sung  with  such  divinely-pleasing  grace, 
The  savage  nation  in  their  softened  hearts, 
Receiv'd  the  love  of  virtue  and  of  arts ! 
The  rudest  breasts  the  strong  persuasion  felt, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  1 17 

Were  taught  to  think,  to  reason,  and  to  melt! 
Themselves  to  know,  the  social  tye  to  own, 
And  learn  they  were  not  made  to  live  alone! 
Then  every  useful  science  sprung  to  birth, 
And  peaceful  labour  blest  the  smiling  earth : 
Men  now  united  lost  their  antient  rage, 
Nature  rejoic'd  and  blest  her  golden  age; 
An  age  by  heav'n  design'd  for  man  no  more, 
Unless  a  FREDERICK  shall  that  age  restore ! 

It  chanc'd  as  thro'  the  wood  Apollo  stray'd, 
Ere  gathering  numbers  peopled  half  the  shade  ; 
As  near  the  cooling  stream  he  pass'd  the  day 
And  wak'd  the  golden  lyre  to  wisdom's  lay ! 
Attentive  to  the  sound  a  stranger  swain, 
His  reed  attun'd  to  imitate  the  strain ; 
The  god  well-p]eas'd  the  rustic  genius  spy'd, 
Approv'd  his  aim,  and  deign'd  to  be  his  guide ! 
Aided  his  trembling  hands  to  touch  the  string, 
Whisper'd  the  words,  and  shew'd  him  how  to  sing! 
The  swain  improving  blest  the  care  bestow'd, 
Nor  in  the  master  yet  perceiv'd  the  god: 
Nor  knew  the  immortal  flame  his  bosom  fir'd, 
But  like  a  shepherd  lov'd  him,  and  admir'd ! 

In  me,  great  prince,  the  image  stands  renew'd, 
I  feel  myself  with  kindred  warmth  indu'd ; 
As  to  thy  praise  I  tune  the  conscious  lyre, 
I  ask  whence  draws  my  breast  the  noble  fire? 
Tell  what  inspires  me,  happy  people  tell? 
Beneath  my  Fred'rick's  orient  sway  who  dwell : 
From  rapid  Rhine  to  silver-streaming  Meine, 
The  peaceful  subjects  of  his  placid  reign? 
Or  ye  on  Prussia's  amber  yielding  shore, 
Who  bless  his  name,  and  hail  his  guardian  power ! 
Yes  ...  let  consenting  lands  his  virtues  raise, 
And  fame  with  all  her  tongues  repeat  his  praise ! 
Whose  scepter  shall  Astrea's  rule  restore. 
And  bid  dejected  MERIT*  sigh  no  more. 


"This  alludes  to  the  new  order  instituted  by  his   Prussian   Majesty,  the 
badge  of  which  is  a  gold  medal  with  this  inscription,  For  Merit. 


Il8  TRANSLATIONS    OF   GERMAN    POETRY 

As  once  directed  by  the  voice  of  fame 
To  wisdom's  King  the  southern  princess  came ; 
At  FREDERICK'S  call  ...  see  ravish'd  to  obey, 
The  sons  of  learning  take  their  chearful  way ; 
To  hear  that  sense  which  still  attention  draws ; 
And  bless  that  goodness  which  directs  his  laws ; 
Close  by  his  throne  Philosophy  shall  smile, 
To  view  her  prince  approve  her  children's  toil ! 
While  Science  joys  to  see  his  kind  regards 
Inspire  the  muse,  his  bounty  still  rewards ; 
Not  distant  far,  calm  Charity  shall  stand, 
Stretching  to  Piety  her  social  hand : 
Justice  shall  banish  arbitrary  might, 
And  Commerce  chearful  Plenty  shall  invite : 
But  Goodness  chief  ...  in  form  angelic  drest, 
(Such  as  she  lives  in  FREDERICK'S  royal  breast!) 
Beneath  her  wings  shall  bid  the  worthy  find 
A  shelter  from  the  storms  that  vex  mankind ; 
The  friend  of  truth,  by  fraud  or  malice  hurl'd 
Through  all  the  mazes  of  a  faithless  world. 
Whom  envy  persecutes  and  bigots  hate, 
Shall  here  enjoy  an  undisturb'd  retreat ; 
With  HIM,  who  scorns  the  empty  pride  or  blood, 
But  shares  his  grandeur  with  the  wise  and  good! 
What  tho'  his  prudence  guards  the  chance  of  war, 
His  mildness  eyes  the  mischief  from  afar ! 
What  tho'  his  arms  might  CcEsar's  laurels  find, 
The  peaceful  olive  suits  his  greater  mind: 
Yet  safe  in  all  events  the  storm  he  views, 
In  peace  or  war  .  .  .  the  darling  of  the  Muse! 
In  either  state,  alike  insur'd  success, 
Since  all  his  aim  is  to  defend  and  bless ! 

Yet  while  impending  clouds  their  darkness  spread, 
He  arms  for  war  .  .  .  but  arms  without  a  dread ! 
No  giant  forms*  compose  a  vain  parade, 
No  glittering  figures  of  the  warrior-trade: 


*This  alludes  to  the  king's  allowing  liberty  to  the  tall  soldiers  his  father 
forced  into  his  service. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  119 

Valour  he  courts  without  the  pomp  of  art, 
And  rises  on  the  service  of  the  heart : 
He  boasts  it  all  his  glory  to  be  just 
(A  pride  beyond  the  title  of  August!) 
Which  time  secures,  the  most  impartial  friend, 
And  guards  his  name  till  nature  fells  her  end ! 

So  when  beneath  the  curs'd  Cesarian  race 
Rome  felt  the  horrors  of  her  first  disgrace ; 
Great  Trajan  rose  with  every  virtue  blest, 
To  give  the  weary  world  the  sweets  of  rest : 
No  blood,  no  conquest  mark'd  his  spotless  reign, 
Twas  goodness  form'd  th'  inviolable  chain  ; 
E'en  India's  Kings  receiv'd  the  willing  yoke, 
For  goodness  is  a  band  no  savage  broke ! 

Not  Solent's  walls  defil'd  with  wilful  blood, 
A  crime,  her  victor's  clemency  withstood : 
Not  all  her  honours  levell'd  with  the  dust, 
Styl'd  Titus  good,  or  merciful,  or  just: 
Love  knit  the  charm  on  which  his  greatness  rose, 
A  charm !  not  worlds  united  can  oppose ! 
Behold  the  glorious  pattern  marks  your  rise ! 
Nor  quit  the  steps  by  which  he  gain'd  the  skies : 
Try  to  surpass!  (but  heav'n  his  fate  refuse!) 
He  wept  a  day!  .  .  .  which  YOU  will  never  lose! 
Nezv  Amer.  Mag.,  No.  XI -283,  Nov.  1758,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


TRANSLATION    OF   AN    EPISTLE    FROM    THE 
KING   OF   PRUSSIA   TO   MONSIEUR   VOLTAIRE. 

Voltaire,  believe  me,  were  I  now 
In  private  life's  calm  station  plac'd, 
Yet  heav'n  for  nature's  wants  allow, 
With  cold  indifference  would  I  view 
Departing  fortune's  winged  haste, 
And  at  the  goddess  laugh  like  you. 
Th'  insipid  farce  of  tedious  state, 
Imperial  duty's  real  weight, 


120  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

The  faithless  courtier's  supple  bow, 
The  fickle  multitude's  caress, 
And  flatt'rers  wordy  emptiness, 
By  long  experience  well  I  know  ; 
And,  tho'  a  prince  and  poet  born, 
Vain  blandishments  of  glory  scorn. 
For  when  the  ruthless  sheers  of  fate 
Have  cut  my  life's  precarious  thread, 
And  rank  me  with  th'  unconscious  dead, 
What  will't  avail  that  /  was  great, 
Or  that  th'  uncertain  tongue  of  fame 
In  mem'ry's  temple  chants  my  name? 
One  blissful  moment  whilst  we  live 
Weighs  more  than  ages  of  renown ; 
What  then  do  potentates  receive 
Of  good  peculiarly  their  own  ? 
Sweet  ease,  and  unaffected  joy, 
Domestic  peace,  and  sportive  pleasure, 
The  regal  throne  and  palace  fly, 
And,  born  for  liberty,  prefer 
Soft  silent  scenes  of  lovely  leisure 
To  what  we  monarchs  buy  so  dear, 
The  thorny  pomp  of  scepter'd  care. 
My  pain  or  bliss  shall  ne'er  depend 
On  fickle  fortune's  casual  flight, 
For,  whether  she's  my  foe  or  friend, 
In  calm  repose  I'll  pass  the  night ; 
And  ne'er  by  watchful  homage  own 
I  court  her  smile,  nor  fear  her  frown. 
But  from  our  stations  we  derive 
Unerring  precepts  how  to  live, 
And  certain  deeds  each  rank  calls  forth 
By  which  is  measur'd  human  worth. 
Voltaire,  within  his  private  cell, 
In  realms  where  ancient  honesty 
Is  patrimonial  property, 
And  sacred  freedom  loves  to  dwell, 
May  give  up  all  his  peaceful  mind, 
Guided  by  Plato's  deathless  page, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  121 

In  silent  solitude  resigned 

To  the  mild  virtues  of  a  sage ; 

But  I  'gainst  whom  wild  whirlwinds  wage 

Fierce  war  with  wreck-denouncing  wing, 

Must  be  to  face  the  tempest's  rage, 

In  thought,  in  life,  in  death  a  king. 

New  Amcr.  Mag.,  No.  XVII -470,  May  1759,  Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 


A    DUTCH    PROVERB. 

Fire,  water,  woman,  are  man's  ruin 

Says  wise  Professor  Vander  Bruin 

By  flames  a  house  I  hir'd  was  lost 

Last  year ;  and  I  must  pay  the  cost. 

This  spring  the  rains  o'erflow'd  my  ground 

And  my  best  Flanders  mare  was  drown'd. 

A  slave  I  am  to  Clara's  eyes : 

The  gipsy  knows  her  power  and  flies. 

Fire,  water,  woman,  are  my  ruin: 

And  great  thy  wisdom  Vander  Bruin. 

Boston  Mag.,  III-8i,  Feb.  1786,  Boston. 


ODE    TO    DEATH 

By  Frederick  II,  King  of  Prussia. 
From  the  French,  by  Dr.  Hawkesworth. 

Yet  a  few  years  or  days  perhaps, 
Or  moments  pass  with  silent  lapse, 

And  time  to  me  shall  be  no  more ; 
No  more  the  sun  these  eyes  shall  view, 
Earth  o'er  these  limbs  her  dust  shall  strew, 

And  life's  fantastick  dream  be  o'er. 


122  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Alas !  I  touch  the  dreadful  brink, 
From  nature's  verge  impell'd  I  sink, 

And  endless  darkness  wraps  me  round ! 
Yes,  Death,  is  ever  at  my  hand, 
Fast  by  my  bed  he  takes  his  stand, 

And  constant  at  my  board  is  found. 

Earth,  air  and  fire,  and  water  join 
Against  this  fleeting  life  of  mine, 

And  where  for  succour  can  I  fly? 
If  art  with  flattering  wiles  pretend 
To  shield  me  like  a  guardian  friend, 

By  Art,  ere  Nature  bids,  I  die. 

I  see  this  tyrant  of  the  mind, 

This  idol  Flesh  to  dust  consigned, 

Once  call'd  from  dust  by  power  divine : 
Its  features  change,  'tis  pale,  'tis  cold  — 
Hence  dreadful  spectre!   to  behold 

Thy  aspect,  is  to  make  it  mine. 

And  can  I  then  with  guilty  pride, 
Which  fear  nor  shame  can  quell  or  hide, 

This  flesh  still  pamper  and  adorn? 
Thus  viewing  what  I  soon  shall  be, 
Can  what  I  am  demand  the  knee, 

Or  look  on  aught  around  with  scorn? 

But  then  this  spark  that  warms,  that  guides, 
That  lives,  that  thinks,  what  fate  betides  ? 

Can  this  be  dust,  a  kneaded  clod ! 
This  yield  to  death !  the  soul,  the  mind, 
That  measures  heaven,  and  mounts  the  wind, 

That  knows  at  once  itself  and  God? 

Great  Cause  of  all,  above,  below, 
Who  knows  thee  must  forever  know, 

Immortal  and  divine ! 
Thy  image  on  my  soul  imprest, 
Of  endless  being  is  the  test, 

And  bids  Eternity  be  mine. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  123 

Transporting  thought! — but  I  am  sure 
That  endless  life  will  joy  secure  ? 

Joys  only  to  the  just  decreed ! 
The  guilty  wretch  expiring  goes, 
Where  vengeance  endless  life  bestows, 

That  endless  mis'ry  may  succeed. 

Great  God,  how  awful  is  the  scene ! 
A  breath,  a  transient  breath  between ; 

And  can  I  jest,  and  laugh  and  play? 
To  earth,  alas !   too  firmly  bound, 
Trees,  deeply  rooted  in  the  ground, 

Are  shiver'd  when  they're  torn  away. 

Vain  joys,  which  envy'd  greatness  gains, 
How  do  ye  bind  with  silken  claims, 

Which  ask  Herculean  strength  to  break ! 
How  with  new  terrours  have  ye  arm'd 
The  power  whose  slightest  glance  alarm'd ! 

How  many  deaths  of  one  ye  make ! 

Yet,  dumb  with  wonder,  I  behold 
Man's  thoughtless  race  in  errour  bold, 

Forget  or  scorn,  the  laws  of  death  ; 
With  these  no  projects  coincide, 
Nor  vows  nor  toils,  nor  hopes  they  guide, 

Each  thinks  he  draws  immortal  breath. 

Each  blind  to  fate's  approaching  hour, 
Intrigues,  or  fights  for  wealth  or  power, 

And  slumb'ring  dangers  dare  provoke : 
And  he  who  tott'ring  scarce  sustains 
A  century's  age,  plans  future  gains, 

And  feels  an  unexpected  stroke. 

Go  on,  unbridled  desp'rate  band, 

Scorn  rocks,  gulfs,  winds,  search  sea  and  land, 

And  spoil  new  worlds  wherever  found. 
Seize,  haste  to  seize  the  glittering  prize, 
And  sighs,  and  tears  and  prayers  despise, 

Nor  spare  the  temple's  holy  ground. 


124       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

They  go,  succeed,  but  look  again, 
The  desperate  hand  you  seek  in  vain, 

Now  trod  in  dust  the  peasant's  scorn. 
But  who,  that  saw  their  treasures  swell, 
That  heard  th'  insatiate  rebel, 

Would  e'er  have  thought  them  mortal  born? 

See  the  world's  victor  mount  his  car, 
Blood  marks  his  progress  wide  and  far, 

Sure  he  shall  reign  while  ages  fly ; 
No,  vanish'd  like  a  morning  cloud, 
The  hero  was  but  just  allow 'd 

To  fight,  to  conquer,  and  to  die. 

And  is  it  true,  I  ask  with  dread, 
That  nations  heap'd  on  nations  bled 

Beneath  his  chariot's  fervid  wheel, 
With  trophies  to  adorn  the  spot, 
Where  his  pale  corse  was  left  to  rot, 

And  doom'd  the  hungry  reptile's  meal? 

Yes,  fortune  weary'd  with  her  play, 
Her  toy,  this  hero,  casts  away, 

And  scarce  the  form  of  man  is  seen : 
Awe  chills  my  breast,  my  eyes  o'erflow, 
Around  my  brows  no  roses  glow, 

The  cypress  mine,  funereal  green. 

Yet  in  this  hour  of  grief  and  fears, 
When  awful  Truth  unveil'd  appears, 

Some  power  unknown  usurps  my  breast ; 
Back  to  the  world  my  thoughts  are  led, 
My  feet  in  folly's  labyrinth  tread, 

And  Fancy  dreams  that  life  is  blest. 

How  weak  an  empress  is  the  mind, 

Whom  Pleasure's  flowery  wreaths  can  bind, 

And  captive  to  her  altars  lead ! 
Weak  Reason  yields  to  Frenzy's  rage. 
And  all  the  world  is  Folly's  stage, 

And  all  that  act  are  fools  indeed. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  125 

And  yet  this  strange  and  sudden  flight, 
From  gloomy  cares  to  gay  delight, 

This  fickleness  so  light  and  vain, 
In  life's  delusive  transient  dream, 
Where  men  nor  things  are  what  they  seem, 

Is  all  the  real  good  we  gain. 
New  Haven  Gas.  and  Conn.  Mag.,  1-339,  Dec.  7,  1786,  New  Haven. 


NARCISSA 

[A  poem,  the  third  stanza  of  which  is  as  follows:] 

Perhaps,  like  *Werter,  pensive  in  the  shade, 
I  mourn  in  vain,  and  curse  relentless  fate 

Or  while  I  love  the  sympathetic  maid, 
Adversity's  black  clouds  around  me  wait. 

*  An  unfortunate  lover. 

Columbian  Mag.  or  Mo.  Misc.,  1-245,  Jan.  1787,  Phila. 


CHARLOTTE'S    SOLILOQUY— TO    THE 
MANES    OF    WERTER. 

By  the  late  doctor  Ladd. 

Why,  Werter,  dost  thou  leave  me  so? 

I  wander  through  the  gloom : 
And  with  the  tears  of  silent  woe, 

Each  night  bedew  thy  tomb. 

Why,  Werter,  dost  thou  leave  me  so? 

Thy  friends,  thy  kindred  flee? 
Dost  thou  no  longer  Charlotte  know  ? 

Have  friends  no  charms  for  thee  ? 

Why,  Werter,  dost  thou  leave  me  so, 
All  lonely,  full  of  fears? 


126       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Behold  thy  friends  are  left  to  woe, 
And  Charlotte  left  in  tears. 

Why,  Werter,  dost  thou  leave  me  so, 
To  wander  round  thy  tomb? 

Alas!   presentiments  of  woe 
Foretold  thy  fatal  doom. 

Why  Werter  didst  thou  leave  me  so, 

In  terrible  despair? 
Those  pistols  did  thy  fate  foreknow : 

Ah !   why  was  Charlotte  there ! 

Why,  Werter,  didst  thou  leave  me  so? 

Alas!    thou  wrong'dst  my  love. 
To  leave  me  weeping  here  below, 

While  thou  art  blest  above. 

Werter,  thou  shalt  not  leave  me  so: 

We  must  not  parted  be: 
I  quit  the  world — to  heav'n  I  go! 

Werter,  I  fly  to  thee. 
Amer.  Museum,  I-i8o,  Feb.  1787,  Phila. 


DEATH    OF    WERTER. 

I 

And  say,  did  Charlotte's  hand  these  pistols  give? 
Come,  ye  dear  pledges,  sacred  to  my  love  — 
Since  giv'n  by  her,  'twould  be  a  crime  to  live  — 
No ;  come  ye  pistols ;  all  your  death  I  prove. 

II 

But  first  one  kiss,  for  there  did  Charlotte  touch, 
Ye  sacred  relics,  now  are  ye  most  dear ; 
Tho'  o'er  your  deeds  will  Charlotte  sorrow  much, 
And  even  Albert  drop  a  pitying  tear. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  1 27 

III 

May  heav'n  forgive  the  unconsider'd  deed ! 
It  gave  me  passions,  nor  could  I  controul : 
But  if,  poor  Werter,  'tis  a  crime  to  bleed, 
The  God  of  heav'n  have  mercy  on  thy  soul. 

IV 

Charlotte  I  go!  —  my  pistols  have  their  load: 
My  last,  my  dying  thoughts  are  fix'd  on  you ! 
I  go !    I  go  thro'  death's  untrodden  road ; 
Once,  and  for  ever,  Charlotte — Oh!   adieu! 
Amer.  Museum,  I -474,  May  1787,  Phila. 


WERTER'S    EPITAPH. 

I 

Stranger!  whoe'er  thou  art,  that  from  below 
This  grass-green  hill,  with  steady  steps  dost  press 
Shed  sympathetic  tears;  for  stranger  know, 
Here  lies  the  son  of  sorrow  and  distress. 

II 

Although  his  soul  with  ev'ry  virtue  mov'd, 
Tho'  at  his  birth  deceitful  fortune  smil'd, 
In  one  sad  hour,  too  fatally  he  lov'd ; 
False  fortune  frown'd,  and  he  was  sorrow's  child. 

Ill 

Heav'n  gave  him  passions,  as  she  virtue  gave, 
But  gave  not  pow'r  those  passions  to  suppress: 
By  them  subdu'd  he  slumbers  in  the  grave  — 
The  soul's  .last  refuge  from  terrene  distress. 

IV 

Around  his  tomb,  the  sweetest  grass  shall  spring ; 
And  annual  flowers  shall  ever  blossom  here ; 


128       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Here  fairy  forms  their  loveliest  gifts  shall  bring, 
And  passing  strangers  shed  the  pitying  tear. 
Amer.  Museum,  1-474,  May  1787,  Phila. 

[Dr.  Ladd,  Werter's  Epitaph.'} 


DESCENT    OF    ODIN.     AN    ODE. 

New  Haven  Gas.  and  Conn.  Mag.,  Ill -No.  21,  May  29,  1788,  New  Haven. 

[Thomas  Gray,  Poems. 
Publ.  by  Dodsley — London,  July  1768. 
Publ.  by  Foulis  —  Glasgow,  Sept.  1768. 

Both  editions  contain  the  Descent  of  Odin.  "The  poem  was  written  at 
Cambridge  in  1761.  It  is  a  paraphrase  of  the  ancient  Icelandic  lay  called 
Vegtams  Kvida,  and  sometimes  Baldrs  draumar.  The  original  is  to  be  found 
in  Bartholinus,  de  causis  contemnenda  mortis;  Hafniae,  1689,  quarto.  Gray 
has  omitted  to  translate  the  first  four  lines."  Cf.  Works  of  Thomas  Gray, 
ed.  by  Edmund  Gosse.  N.  Y.,  1885.  I -60.] 


CHARACTERISTIC    SKETCH    OF    THE    LONG 
ISLAND    DUTCH. 

Still  on  those  plains  their  num'rous  race  survive, 
And,  born  to  labour,  still  are  found  to  thrive ; 
Through  rain  and  sunshine,  toiling  for  their  heirs, 
They  hold  no  nation  on  this  earth  like  theirs. 
Where'er  they  fix,  all  nature  smiles  around — 
Groves  bend  with  fruit,  and  plenty  clothes  the  ground ; 
No  barren  trees  to  shade  their  domes,  are  seen ; 
Trees  must  be  fertile,  and  their  dwellings  clean ; 
No  idle  fancy  dares  its  whims  apply, 
Or  hope  attention  from  the  master's  eye. 
All  tends  to  something  that  must  pelf  produce, 
AH  for  some  end,  and  ev'ry  thing  its  use. 
Eternal  scow'rings  keep  their  floors  afloat, 
Neat  as  the  outside  of  the  Sunday  coat. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  129 

The  wheel,  the  loom,  the  female  band  employ, — 

These  all  their  pleasure,  these  their  darling  joy. 

The  strong-ribb'd  lass  no  idle  passions  move, 

No  nice  ideas  of  romantic  love ; 

He  to  her  heart  the  readiest  path  can  find, 

Who  comes  with  gold,  and  courts  her  to  be  kind. 

She  heeds  not  valour,  learning,  wit,  or  birth, 

Minds  not  the  swain — but  asks  him,  what  he's  worth? 

No  female  fears  in  her  firm  breast  prevail, 

The  helm  she  governs,  and  she  trims  the  sail ; 

In  some  small  barque  the  way  to  market  finds, 

Hauls  aft  the  sheet,  or  veers  it  to  the  winds : 

While,  lac'd  ahead,  subservient  to  her  will, 

Hans  smokes  his  pipe,  and  wonders  at  her  skill. 

Health  to  their  toils  —  thus  may  they  still  go  on  — 
Curse  on  my  pen !  what  virtues  have  I  drawn ! 
Is  this  the  gen'ral  taste?   No — truth  replies  — 
If  fond  of  beauty,  guiltless  of  disguise, 
See  (where  the  social  circle  meant  to  grace) 
The  handsome  Yorker  shades  her  lovely  face ; 
She,  early  led  to  happier  talks  at  home, 
Prefers  the  labours  that  her  sex  become; 
Remote  from  view,  directs  some  fav'rite  art, 
And  leaves  to  hardier  man  the  ruder  part. 
Amer.  Museum,  VII,  Jan. -June  1790,  Appendix  1-42,  Phila. 


ON    READING    THE    SORROWS    OF    WERTER 

Mistaken  youth !   thy  love,  to  frenzy  wrought, 
Spurn'd  calm  reflection  and  each  sober  thought. 
A  little  time  had  shewn  e'en  Charlotte's  charms 
Had  shrunk  and  faded  in  a  Werter's  arms : 
For  guilt  and  meanness  ne'er  could  dwell  with  thee ; 
And  virtuous  friendship  soon  had  set  thee  free. 
But  hadst  thou  triumph'd  o'er  the  fair  one's  fall, 
Thou  then,  as  now,  hadst  met  the  fatal  ball ; 
Still  keener  anguish  had  attack'd  thy  mind 


130  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Than  e'en  now  dying  thy  stung  soul  did  find. 
None  dare  say  Mercy  wont  extend  its  aid ; 
But  who  of  that  would  not  have  been  afraid, 
If  with  a  kiss  thou  Charlotte  hadst  betray'd. 

— Laura. 
Universal  Asylum  and  Columbian  Mag.,  ¥-269,  Oct.  1790,  Phila. 


WERTER'S    EPITAPH 
By  the  late  Dr.  Ladd. 

Mass.  Mag.,  Ill- 114,  Feb.  1791,  Boston. 

[Also  in  Amer.  Museum,  I- 474,  May  1787,  Phila.] 


ELLA.      A   TALE. 

History  says  that  Sivard,  King  of  Sweden,  entered  Norway  with  a  numer 
ous  army,  and  committed  the  greatest  enormities ;  but  was  at  last  overthrown, 
his  army  routed,  and  himself  slain  by  one  of  those  women  whom  he  had 
brutally  abused. 

Between  Norwegian  hills  wide  spreads  a  plain, 

By  nature  form'd  for  sport ; 
The  Vet'ran  warrior  here,  and  hardy  swain, 

To  annual  games  resort. 

High  o'er  their  heads  was  hung  the  hoary  brow, 

Which  cast  an  ample  shade ; 
From  thence  these  words  majestic  seem'd  to  flow  — 

"Fierce  foes  your  sports  invade !" 

They  upward  gaze — a  warrior  struck  their  sight; 

He  bore  aloft  his  lance, 
All  sheath'd  in  arms,  unsufferably  bright, 

Where  beamy  splendors  dance. 

The  western  sun-beam  round  his  helmit  flies, 
He  more  than  man  appears ; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  131 

And  more  than  mortal  seem'd  to  sound  the  voice 
That  rang  upon  their  ears. 

"  Ye  sons  of  Norway !   harken  to  my  tale, 

"  Your  rural  games  oh  cease  ; 
"  Sivard  is  marching  thro'  Dulvellon's  vale, 

"  Break  off  the  sports  of  peace ! 

"  The  bloody  Sivard  leads  his  conqu'ring  Swedes, 

"He  riots  in  our  shame ; 
"  The  man,  the  matron,  and  the  infant  bleeds  — 

"  Norway  is  but  a  name ! 

"  The  husband  sees  —  curse  on  the  tyrant's  lust  — 

"  He  sees  his  beauteous  bride  — 
"  Her  virtue,  worth,  and  honor  in  the  dust — 

"  Oh  where  is  Norway's  pride ! 

"  Rouse !  rouse  Norwegians !   take  your  arms  amain, 

"  Let  helms  o'ershade  each  brow ; 
"  Let's  meet  these  Swedish  daemons  in  the  plain, 

"  And  lay  their  triumphs  low. 

"  O  had  you  seen  what  these  poor  eyes  have  seen ! 

'  Twas  Sivard  done  the  deed  — 
"  Our  hoary  monarch,  and  our  helpless  queen, 

I  —  yes,  I  saw  them  bleed. 

"Their  daughter  Ella  —  no,  I  will  not  tell! 

"  Norwegians  ne'er  enquire — 
"Ne'er  hear  it— what  the  royal  maid  befel ; 

"  I  see  your  souls  on  fire. 

"  Oh  seize  your  swords,  your  spears,  helms,  and  shields ! 

"  Oh  vindicate  your  fame ! 
"  Sivard  and  Sweden  glare  on  Norway's  fields ; 

"  Remember  Norway's  name." 

He  said  —  tears  flow  apace,  fierce  glow  the  swains, 

Rage  fills  each  honest  breast ; 
In  Swedish  blood  to  wipe  away  their  stains, 

Was  ev'ry  thought  address'd. 


132       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Then  red-hair'd  Rollo,  fierce  advancing  cri'd, — 

"  Who'er  Ihou  art,  come  down, 
"  We  live  on  hills,  to  ev'ry  toil  we're  tri'd, 

"  And  war  is  all  our  own. 

"  Let  Sivard  come,  we'll  meet  the  tyrant  here : 

"  But  stranger  come  thou  down." 
He  came — Old  Athold  gaz'd  with  look  severe; — 

He  gaz'd — but  ceas'd  to  frown. 

"  Or  Athold  has  forgot  his  monarch's  face, 

"  Or  sure  thou  art  his  son ! 
"  Eric,  of  mighty  Norway's  royal  race!"  — 

Full  quick  the  tidings  run. 

With  shouts  they  press  to  see  the  beauteous  chief ; 

The  aged  kiss  his  hand : 
On  either  side,  fast  roll'd  the  marks  of  grief, 

Then  Athold  spoke  the  band— 

"  Ye  sons  of  Norway,  to  your  homes  repair, 
"  There  seize  the  sword  and  shield, 

"  And  ere  the  morning's  purple  streaks  the  air, 
"  Meet  Eric  in  the  field. 

"  Oh  prince !  do  you  with  aged  Athold  go, 

"  And  take  refreshing  sleep ; 
"  Athold  will  sing  and  soothe  the  rising  woe, 

"Or  break  his  harp  and  weep !" 

Twas  night — in  Athold's  hall  each  took  his  place; 

Of  other  times  he  sung; 
Fast  stream'd  the  tears  adown  the  hero's  face, 

And  groans  responsive  rung. 

Bright  came  the  morn ;  and  bright  in  batter'd  arms, 

The  rustic  vet'rans  came : 
And  many  a  youth,  untri'd  in  rough  alarms, 

Now  hop'd  a  patriot's  name. 

They  heard  from  far  the  hum  of  Sivard's  host ; 
Young  Eric  struck  his  shield ; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  133 

Then  high  in  air  his  heavy  spear  he  tost, 
And  blaz'd  along  the  field. 

Next  aged  Athold  follow'd;  Rollo  strong; 

Black  Calmar  lifts  his  mace; 
Culullin,  Marco,  Streno,  rush  along, 

And  all  the  rugged  race. 

Fierce  came  the  Swede;  —  in  strength  of  numbers  proud; 

He  scorn'd  his  feeble  foe ; 
But  soon  the  voice  of  battle  roar'd  aloud, 

And  many  a  Swede  lay  low. 

Strong  Rollo  struck  the  tow'ring  Olaus  dead, 

Full  fifteen  bleed  beside: 
Old  Athold  cleft  the  brave  Adolphus  head, 

In  all  his  youthful  pride. 

But  Eric !   Eric !  rang'd  the  field  around, 

On  Sivard  still  he  cri'd ; 
The  gasping  Swedes  lay  heap'd  upon  the  ground  — 

Sivard !   the  hills  repli'd. 

In  fury  Sivard  seiz'd  his  shining  shield, 

His  mail,  his  helm,  and  spear ; 
He  mounts  his  car,  and  thunders  o'er  the  field ; 

Now  Norway  knows  no  fear. 

Great  Rollo  falls  beneath  his  dreadful  arm, 

His  steeds  are  stain'd  with  blood ; 
Young  Eric  smil'd  to  hear  the  loud  alarm, 

And  flew  to  stop  the  flood. 

He  rag'd,  he  foam'd  —  fierce  flew  the  thirsty  spear, 

Down  fell  the  foremost  steed : 
Astonish'd  Sivard  felt  unusual  fear, 

"  Tyrant  thou'rt  doom'd  to  bleed !" 

Up  sprang  the  youth  —  deep  fell  the  sword, 

Sunk  in  the  tyrant's  brow : 
Fast  fly  the  Swedes,  and  leave  their  hated  lord, 

His  mighty  pride  laid  low. 


134  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Now  Norway's  sons  their  great  deliv'rer  hail, 

But  lo !  he  bleeds !  he  falls ! 
Old  Athold  strips  the  helm  and  beamy  mail, 

And  on  his  Gods  he  calls. 

He  lifts  the  helm,  and  down  the  snowy  neck 

Fast  falls  the  silky  hair — 
And  could  those  limbs,  the  conq'ring  Sivard  check ! 

Oh  pow'r  of  great  despair! 

Life  ebbs  apace — she  lifts  her  languid  head, 

She  strives  her  hand  to  wave ; 
Confess  to  all,  the  beauteous  Ella  said — 

"  Thanks,  thanks  companions  brave : 

"  Freedom  rewards  you — naught  can  Ella  give, 

"  Low,  low  poor  Ella  lies ; 
"  Sivard  is  dead !  and  Ella  wou'd  not  live." 

She  bleeds — she  faints — she  dies! 
N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  11-235,  Apr.  1791,  N.  Y. 


PEASANT   OF   THE    ALPS. 

Where  cliffs  arise  by  Winter  crown'd, 
And  through  dark  groves  of  pine  around, 

Down  the  deep  chasms,  the  snowed  torrents  foam, 
Within  some  hollow,  shelter'd  from  the  storms, 
The  PEASANT  of  the  ALPS  his  cottage  forms, 

And  builds  his  humble,  happy  home. 

Unenvied  is  the  rich  domain, 

That  far  beneath  him  on  the  plain, 
Waves  its  wide  harvests  and  its  olive  groves ; 

More  dear  to  him  his  hut,  with  plantain  thatch'd, 

Where  long  his  unambitious  heart  attach'd, 
Finds  all  he  wishes,  all  he  loves. 

There  dwells  the  mistress  of  his  heart, 
And  Love  who  teaches  ev'ry  art, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  135 

Has  bid  him  dress  the  spot  with  fondest  care ; 

When  borrowing  from  the  vale  its  fertile  soil, 

He  climbs  the  precipice  with  patient  toil, 
To  plant  her  fav'rite  flow'rets  there. 

With  native  shrubs,  a  hardy  race, 

There  the  green  myrtle  finds  a  place, 
And  roses  there,  the  dewy  leaves  decline ; 

While  from  the  crags'  abrupt  and  tangled  steeps, 

With  bloom  and  fruit  the  Alpine  berry  peeps, 
And,  blushing,  mingles  with  the  vine. 

His  garden's  simple  produce  stor'd, 

Prepared  for  him  by  hands  ador'd 
Is  all  the  little  luxury  he  knows  : 

And  by  the  same  dear  hands  are  softly  spread, 

The  Chamois'  velvet  spoil  that  forms  the  bed, 
Where  in  her  arms  he  finds  repose. 

But  absent  from  the  calm  abode 

Dark  thunder  gathers  round  his  road, 
Wild  raves  the  wind,  the  arrowy  light'nings  flash, 

Returning  quick  the  murmuring  rocks  among, 

His  faint  heart  trembling  as  he  winds  along ; 
Alarm'd  he  listens  to  the  crash. 

Of  rifted  ice!  —  Oh,  man  of  woe! 

O'er  his  dear  cot — a  mass  of  snow, 
By  the  storm  sever'd  from  the  cliff  above, 

Has  fall'n  —  and  buried  in  its  marble  breast, 

All  that  for  him  —  lost  wretch  —  the  world  possest, 
His  home,  his  happines,  his  love! 

Aghast  the  heartstruck  mourner  stands ! 

Glaz'd  are  his  eyes  —  convuls'd  his  hands, 
O'erwhelming  anguish  checks  his  labouring  breath  ; 

Crush'd  by  Despair's  intolerable  weight, 

Frantic  he  seeks  the  mountain's  giddiest  height, 
And  headlong  seeks  relief  in  death. 


136  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

A  fate  too  similar  is  mine, 

But  I  —  in  ling'ring  pain  repine, 
And  still  my  last  felicity  deplore ; 

Cold,  cold  to  me  is  that  dear  breast  become, 

Where  this  poor  heart  had  fondly  fix'd  its  home, 
And  love  and  happiness  are  mine  no  more. 
N.  Y.  Mag.,  or  Lit.  Repos.,  III-443,  July  I7Q2,  N.  Y. 


ELLA.     A    TALE. 

Lady's  Mag.  and  Repos.,  I -97,  Jan.  1793,  Phila. 

[Also  in  N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  11-235,  Apr.  1791,  N.  Y.] 


A    GENERAL    VIEW    OF    SWITZERLAND    AND 

THE    ALPS,    WITH    AN    AFFECTING 

ANECDOTE. 


But  to  return  to  our  Alps.  Here,  savage  rocks  of  an  inaccessible  height; 
there,  torrents  bursting,  as  it  were,  from  the  clouds,  and  rolling  down  the 
rugged  precipices : 

The  gay  train, 

Of   fog,    thick    roll'd    into    romantic    shape, 

may,  perhaps,  excite  your  wonder,  but  not  exceed  the  compass  of  your  im 
agination.  But  how  shall  I  convey  to  you  an  idea  of  the  ever-varying  and 
accidental  beauties  of  this  majestic  scenery!  Sometimes  the  vapour-winged 
tempest,  flitting  along  some  lonely  vale,  embrowns  it  with  a  solemn  shade, 
whilst  every  thing  around  glitters  in  the  fullness  of  meridian  splendour.  On 
a  sudden,  all  is  dark  and  gloomy;  the  thunder  rolls  from  rock  to  rock,  till 
echo  seems  tired  with  the  dreadful  repetition:  add  to  this,  the  gradual  ap 
proach  of  the  evening,  the  last  gleam  of  sunshine  fading  on  the  mountain- 
brow,  the  lingering  twilight  still  warding  off  the  veil  of  night,  till  the  rising 
moon  just  continues,  in  vision,  a  glimmering  of  its  faded  glories: 

Now  all's  at  rest — and  ere  the  wearied  swain 

Rise  to  his  labour  on  the  upland  lawn, 
Shall  not  the  muse  from  nature  catch  a  strain, 

To  wake,  and  greet  him  at  the  morning  dawn? 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  137 

Oh !   let  her  tell  him  that  the  feeling  heart, 

Oft  to  the  mountain  side  by  memory  led, 
Shall  seek  those  blessings  wealth  can  ne'er  impart, 

And  wish  to  share  the  quiet  of  his  shed : 

Where  ev'ry  sordid  passion  lull'd  to  rest, 

Man  knows  each  gift  of  nature  how  to  prize: 

Flies  from  the  storm  unto  his  fair  one's  breast, 
And  there  reposing  waits  serener  skies. 

Say,  ye  proud  sons  of  fortune  and  of  power, 

Can  aught  the  joys  you  feel,  with  these  compare  ? 

Can  the  full  triumph  of  ambition's  hour, 

When  tempests  threaten,  sooth  your  anxious  care? 

Or  shall  the  tenant  of  yon  lonely  cot, 

That  smiles  with  pity  on  your  pageant  state, 

Pleas'd  with  his  poor  but  independent  lot, 
Expose  the  wretchedness  of  being  great? 

Unknown  to  you,  the  houseless  child  of  woe, 
The  friendless  pilgrim,  or  the  hungry  poor ; 

Unleft  the  good  ye  carelessly  bestow, 

The  hand  that  feeds  them,  drives  them  from  your  door. 

Here  cruel  charity  no  off'ring  makes, 

That  whilst  it  aids,  insults  the  big  distress, 
The  heart  that  welcomes,  ev'ry  grief  partakes, 

And  only  pities  where  it  can't  redress. 

Such  are  the  scenes,  my  dear  Lord,  such  the  hospitality  I  am  now  going  to 
quit.  I  know  not  why  I  wished  to  jingle  their  virtues  into  rhyme,  unless  it 
was,  that  my  prose  began  to  run  upon  stilts,  or  that  I  mistook  a  momentary 
enthusiasm  for  a  poetical  inspiration.  In  fact,  every  thought  and  conception 
is  so  far  raised  above  the  common  train  of  ideas,  that  the  error  is  excusable, 
especially  too  when  the  imaginary  poet  sets  out  with 
Sublimi  seriens  sidera  vertice. 

Adieu, 

Ever  your's. 
Lady's  Mag.  and  Repos.,  1-253,  May  1793,  Phila. 


138       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

A    DUTCH    PROVERB. 

Weekly  Museum,  VII,  Mar.  14,  1795,  N.  Y. 

[Also  in  Boston  Mag.,  III-8i,  Feb.  1786,  Boston.] 

A   DUTCH    PROVERB. 

Phila.  Minerva,  I,  May  16,  1795,  Phila. 

[Also  in  Boston  Mag.,  III-8i,  Feb.  1786,  Boston.] 

VERSES  BY  THE  LATE  KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 

Rural  Mag.  or  Vt.  Repos.,  1-494,  Oct.  1795,  Rutland. 

[Same  as  The  Relaxation  of  War  in  Amer.  Mag.  or  Mo.  Chron.,  1-440, 
June  1758,  Phila.] 

For  the  Weekly  Museum. 

THE    GOTHIC    CASTLE. 

"  The  Days  of  Chivalry  are  gone." 

Burke's  Letter  on  the  French  Revolution. 

See !  now  the  landscape  fades  away, 
As  westward  flies  the  orb  of  day: 
See  the  solemn  night  appear, 
With  silence  her  sedate  compeer. 

Hark!   the  surgy  shore  resounds, 
As  from  the  rocks  the  wave  rebounds: 
Rocks,  on  whose  o'er-hanging  brows, 
The  ragged  surf-fed  samphire  grows. 

Lo!   the  beacon's  distant  rays 
O'er  the  waste  of  water  plays, 
Friendly  to  the  port-bound  bark, 
On  his  watch,  the  seaman's  mark. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  139 

Mark !  yon  dreary  Gothic  pile, 

—  Where  murder  oft  did  glut  and  smile, — 
Dungeons  dire  of  vanquish'd  hosts, 

—  Hark!    the  screams  of  wandering  ghosts! — 

Now  a  double  gloom  is  spread 
O'er  each  turret's  murky  head, 
While  from  th'  Owlet's  dismal  cry 
Intruding  joys  affrighted  fly. 

Ye  vengeful  walls  for  ruin  built! 
Scenes  accurs'd  of  hell-born  guilt! 
Direful  were  your  fierce  alarms  — 
Hist!    the  sentry  calls — "To  arms!" 

How  many  barons  here  were  slain, 
In  coats  of  armour  lock'd  in  vain!  — 
How  many  feudal  vassals  dy'd, 
Ebbing  here  life's  crimson  tide! 

What  secret  woes  lay  close  immur'd ! 
What  anguish  wretches  erst  endur'd ! 
When  in  your  sable  cells  confin'd 
Oppression's  chosen  victims  pin'd. 

How  sullen  stands  yon  rugged  tow'r! 
Seems  it  not  on  the  cot  to  low'r  ? 
As  it  looks,  with  proud  disdain, 
O'er  the  wide-extended  plain. 

Here  the  feudal  times  I  trace ; 

The  lordling's  power — the  poor's  disgrace — 

Here  while  it  moulders,  all  may  see 

"  A  Monument  of  Chivalry." 

Aug.  13,  1796.  ORLANDO. 

Weekly  Museum,  IX,  Aug.  13,  1796,  N.  Y. 


140  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

PEASANT    OF    THE    ALPS. 

Phila.  Minerva,  III,  Aug.  19,  1797,  Phila. 

[Also  in  N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repos.,  111-443,  July  1792,  N.  Y.] 


BY    THE    LATE    KING    OF    PRUSSIA. 

Rural  Mag.,  I,  July  21,  1798,  Newark. 

[Same  as  The  Relaxation  of  War  in  Amer.  Mag.  or  Mo.  Chron.,  1-440, 
June  1758,  Phila.] 

THE    WATER-KING. 

A  Danish  Ballad.    By  the  Author  of  Alonzo  the  Brave. 
[The  poem  follows.] 

Since  writing  these  stanzas,  I  have  met  with  two  old  Scotch  ballads  which 
have  some  resemblance  with  "  The  Water  King " ;  one  is  called  "  May 
Colvin,"  and  relates  the  story  of  a  king's  daughter  who  was  beguiled  from 
her  father's  house  by  a  false  Sir  John;  the  other,  intitled  "Clerk  Colvil," 
treats  of  a  young  man  who  fell  into  the  snares  of  a  false  mermaid ;  the  latter, 
indeed,  bears  a  still  stranger  resemblance  to  the  Danish  tradition  of  "The 
Erl-King's  Daughter."  The  fragment  of  "The  Water  King"  may  be  found 
in  "  Herder's  Volkslieder." 

Many  inquiries  have  been  made  respecting  the  elementary  monarchs  men 
tioned  a  few  pages  back;  I  must  inform  my  readers  that  all  I  know  respecting 
the  Water  King  (called  in  the  German  translation  "  Der  Wasser-Mann ") 
and  the  Erl-King  (called  in  German  Erlkonig)  is  gathered  from  the  fore 
going  ballad  and  two  others  which  I  shall  here  insert.  With  respect  to  the 
Fire  King  and  the  Cloud  King,  they  are  entirely  of  my  own  creation ;  but  if 
my  readers  choose  to  ascribe  their  birth  to  the  "  Comte  de  Gabalis,"  they  are 
very  welcome. 

Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -92,  Aug.  18,  1798,  Phila. 

[J.  G.  Herder,  Der  Wassermann  in  the  Fourth  Book  (Nordische  Lieder)  of 
Stimmen  der  Vblker  in  Liedern.  Trans,  from  the  German. 

M.  G.  Lewis,  The  Monk  and  Tales  of  Wonder.  Cf.  note  to  The  Erl-King 
in  Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -93,  Aug.  18,  1798.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES. 


141 


WERTER'S    FAREWELL   TO    CHARLOTTE. 

"  Sunt  lacrimae  rerum ;  et  mentem  mortalia  tangunt." 

Virg.  Ae.  1-466. 
The  conflict's  o'er — ah!   lovely  maid,  adieu! 

Before  these  sad,  these  parting  lines,  you  view ; 
Before  the  fields  with  early  dawn  shall  bloom, 
Your  Werter  rests  beneath  the  silent  tomb : 
No  more  to  view  the  beauties  of  the  day, 
No  more  to  listen  to  thy  heavenly  lay, 
To  sit,  in  transport,  and  to  hear  thee  talk, 
Or  with  thee  wander,  in  an  ev'ning  walk, 
Along  the  margin  of  the  winding  flood, 
Thro'  the  green  fields,  or  in  the  shady  wood. 

O!   Charlotte!   when  you  see  the  floods  arise, 
And  wintry  storms  descending  from  the  skies, 
The  watry  gloom  that  fills  the  plain  below, 
And  all  around  one  dreary  waste  of  snow ; 
Will  you  not  then,  a  sigh  in  sorrow  heave, 
For  the  lost  pleasures  of  a  summer's  eve, 
Recall  the  time  when  you  so  oft  have  seen 
Thy  hapless  lover  on  the  verdant  green, 
Or  thro'  the  vale  approaching  from  the  grove, 
To  view  thy  charms  and  pine  in  hopeless  love, 
Gaze  on  thy  angel  form,  for  without  she, 
The  world  appear'd  a  boundless  blank  to  me. 
As  when  to  seamen,  from  the  midnight  skies 
The  moon's  bright  beams  in  brilliant  glory  rise, 
To  guide  them  wand'ring  thro'  the  wat'ry  plain, 
Or  land  them  on  their  native  shores  again ; 
Thus,  Charlotte,  I  no  other  joy  could  see, 
Than  pass  the  vacant  day,  and  gaze  on  thee, 
Live  in  thy  joys,  or  in  thy  sorrows  die, 
"  And  drink  delicious  poison  from  thine  eye," 
As  the  lost  insect  round  the  taper  flies, 
And  courts  the  fatal  flame  by  which  it  dies. 
But,  Charlotte,  now  those  fleeting  joys  are  fled, 
And  Werter  sinks  among  the  silent  dead 
From  the  bright  hopes  of  life  forever  gone, 
His  mem'ry  lost,  and  e'en  his  name  unknown, 


142  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN    POETRY 

The  time  shall  come,  when  in  the  vacant  mind, 

The  fondest  friend  no  trace  of  me  shall  find ; 

When  e'en  my  kindred  my  sad  fate  shall  hear, 

And  view  my  mould'ring  grave  without  a  tear, 

Think  on  the  light  impressions  of  the  mind, 

Which  flee  as  midnight  dreams,  and  leave  no  trace  behind. 

This  eve  I  wander'd  thro'  each  beauteous  scene, 
Each  fertile  valley,  and  each  level  green, 
Pensive  and  sad  I  view'd  the  foaming  flood; 
And  the  wild  winds  disturb  the  silent  wood. 
Beheld  the  sun's  great  orb,  in  glory  bright, 
Descend  behind  the  western  surge  in  night ; 
While  on  the  hill  to  see  its  beams,  I  stood, 
And  view'd  it  sinking  in  the  briny  flood, 
I  felt  my  heart  with  double  sorrows  prest, 
And  life's  last  hope  desert  my  throbbing  breast ; 
The  world's  vast  scene  forever  clos'd  from  sight, 
And  all  involv'd  in  one  eternal  night. 

Ah !  shall  I  ne'er  again  thy  image  know, 
In  these  sad  realms  of  misery  and  woe, 
Or  is  there  yet  a  place  in  heaven  design'd, 
For  hapless  mortals  by  th'  eternal  mind, 
Some  winding  valley,  or  some  shady  grove, 
Some  blissful  mansions  in  the  realms  above, 
Where  Charlotte's  shade  and  mine  may  one  day  meet, 
Our  suff'rings  ended  and  our  bliss  complete, 
In  the  bright  regions  of  eternal  light, 
Where  all  is  perfect  joy  and  pure  delight. 

When  in  the  summer's  eve  you  chance  to  stray 
Thro'  the  low  vale,  or  on  the  broad  highway, 
Or  in  the  churchyard,  thro'  the  shady  trees, 
You  hear  the  whistling  of  the  midnight  breeze, 
Wave  high  the  grass,  in  solitary  gloom, 
Around  the  heap  that  shews  thy  lover's  tomb — 
Ah,  then  will  you  not  one  sad  thought  bestow, 
On  him  who  could  no  greater  blessing  know 
Than  pass  the  hour  with  fleeting  joys  with  thee, 
Gaze  on  thy  charms  and  watch  thy  wand'ring  eye, 
Observe  the  beauteous  image  of  thy  mind, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  143 

Disclose  a  soul  for  heaven  alone  design'd, 
Or  view  thy  distant  form  amidst  the  trees, 
And  thy  white  tresses  floating  in  the  breeze; 
Or  see  thy  fingers  strike,  with  tender  lays, 
Such  notes  as  bards  in  heaven  alone  can  raise ; 
Such  notes  as  Orpheus'  self  might  lean  to  hear, 
And  force  from  Pluto's  soul  the  melting  tear. 
Yes,  Charlotte's  self,  my  sad  remains  shall  see, 
And  Charlotte's  tender  heart  will  heave  a  sigh  for  me. 
Dessert  to  the  True  American,  I -No.  20,  Nov.  24,  1798,  [Phila.]. 


The  following  burlesque  on  the  style,  in  which  most  of  the  German 
romantic  ballads  are  written,  is  replete  with  wit  and  humour;  and 
we  trust  will  prove  amusing  even  to  the  greatest  admirers  of  that 
style  of  writing.  It  is  only  necessary  to  premise  that  Lord  Hopper- 
gallop  has  left  his  servant  maid  at  his  country  mansion,  where  she 
has  fallen  with  the  gardener. 

Cold  blows  the  blast:  —  the  night's  obscure: 
The  mansion's  crazy  wainscots  crack : 

The  sun  had  sunk:  —  and  all  the  moor, 
Like  ev'ry  other  moor  —  was  black. 

Alone,  pale,  trembling,  near  the  fire, 
The  lovely  Molly  Dumpling  sat, 

Much  did  she  fear,  and  much  admire, 
What  Thomas,  gard'ner  could  be  at. 

Listening,  her  hand  supports  her  chin, 
But,  ah !   no  foot  is  heard  to  stir : 

He  comes  not,  from  the  garden,  in ; 
Nor  he,  nor  little  Bobtail  cur. 

They  cannot  come,  sweet  maid,  to  thee! 
Flesh,  both  of  cur  and  man,  is  grass ! 

And  what's  impossible,  can't  be ; 
And  never,  never,  comes  to  pass ! 


144  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

She  paces  through  the  hall  antique, 
To  call  her  Thomas  from  his  toil ; 

Opes  the  huge  door;  —  the  hings  creak, — 
Because  the  hinges  wanted  oil. 

Thrice  on  the  threshold  of  the  hall, 
She  "  Thomas  "  cried,  with  many  a  sob ; 

And  thrice  on  Bobtail  did  she  call, 
Exclaiming  sweetly — "Bob!  Bob!  Bob!" 

Vain  maid !  a  gard'ners  corpse,  'tis  said 
In  answers  can  but  ill  succeed ; 

And,  dogs  that  hear  when  they  are  dead 
Are  very  cunning  dogs,  indeed! 

Back  through  the  hall  she  bent  her  way, 
All,  all  was  solitude  around! 

The  candle  shed  a  feeble  ray — 
Though  a  large  mould  of  four  to  th'  pound. 

Full  closely  to  the  fire  she  drew ; 
Adown  her  cheek  a  salt  tear  stole, 

When,  lo!  a  coffin  out  there  flew, 
And  in  her  apron  burnt  a  hole ! 

Spiders  their  busy  death  watch  tick'd ; 
A  certain  sign  that  fate  will  frown ; 

The  clumsy  kitchen  clock,  too,  click'd ; 
A  certain  sign  it  was  not  down. 

More  strong  and  strong  her  terrors  rose;  — 
Her  shadow  did  the  maid  appal ; — 

She  trembled  at  her  lovely  nose — 
It  look'd  so  long  against  the  wall. 

Up  to  her  chamber,  damp  and  cold, 
She  clim'd  lord  Hoppergallop's  stair;  — 

Three  stories  high,  long,  dull  and  old  — 
As  great  lords'  stories  often  are. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  145 

All  Nature  now  appear'd  to  pause ; 
And  "  o'er  the  one  half  world  seem'd  dead ;" 

No  "curtain'd  sleep"  had  she; — because 
She  had  no  curtains  to  her  bed. 

Listening  she  lay;  —  with  iron  din, 
The  clock  struck  twelve;  the  door  flew  wide; 

When  Thomas  grimly  glided  in, 
With  little  Bobtail  by  his  side. 

Tall,  like  the  poplar,  was  his  size  ; 
Green,  green  his  waistcoat  was,  as  leeks, 

Red,  red  as  beet  root,  were  his  eyes ; 
And,  pale,  as  turnips,  were  his  cheeks! 

Soon  as  the  spectre  she  espied, 
The  fear  struck  damsel  faintly  said, 

"What  would  my  Thomas? — he  replied, 
"O!    Molly  Dumpling!   I  am  dead." 

"  All  in  the  flower  of  youth  I  fell, 
Cut  off  with  health's  full  blossom  crown'd; 

I  was  not  ill — but  in  the  well 
I  tumbled  backwards,  and  was  drown'd. 

"  Four  fathom  deep  thy  love  doth  lie ; 
His  faithful  dog  his  fate  doth  share ; 

We're  friends;  —  this  is  not  he  and  I; 
We  are  not  here — for  we  are  there. 

"  Yes ; — two  foul  water  fiends  are  we  ; 
Maid  of  the  moor !  attend  us  now ! 

Thy  hour's  at  hand  ; — we  come  for  thee ! 
The  little  fiend  cur  said  "  bow  wow !" 

"  To  wind  her  in  her  cold  grave, 
A  Holland  sheet  a  maiden  likes ; 

A  sheet  of  water  thou  shalt  have ; 
Such  sheets  there  are  in  Holland  dykes." 


146        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  fiends  approach ;  the  maid  did  shrink ; 
Swift  through  the  night's  foul  air  they  spin ; 

They  took  her  to  the  green  well's  brink, 
And,  with  a  souse,  they  plump'd  her  in. 
Dessert  to  the  True  American,  I-No.  27,  Jan.  12,  1799,  Phila. 

[The  author   evidently  had   Burger's  Lenore   in  mind   when   writing  the 
above.] 


[Burlesque  on  the  Style,  in  which  most  of  the  German  romantic  Ballads 
are  written.] 

Phil  Repos.,  1-328,  Aug.  22,  1801,  Phila. 

[Also  in  Dessert  to  the  True  American,  I -No.  27,  Jan.  12,  1799,  Phila.] 


For  the  Port  Folio. 

AN   AUTHOR'S   EVENINGS. 

From  the  shop  of  Messrs.  Colon  and  Spondee. 

Among  the  newest  and  most  delightful  miscellanies,  lately  received  from 
England,  may  be  ranked  a  poetical  work,  entitled  "Tales  of  Terror."  This 
is  partly  intended  as  a  burlesque  of  the  various  ballads  in  Lewis's  celebrated 
romance,  "The  Monk."  We  well  remember,  that  this  member  of  the  British 
parliament  has  amused  himself,  and  alarmed  his  readers,  by  resorting  to  the 
cells  of  Gothic  superstition,  and  invoking  all  the  forms  of  German  horror, 
to  appal  every  timid  heart.  Hence,  we  have  been  haunted  by  ghosts  of  all 
complexions;  and  "Cloud  Kings,"  and  "Water  Kings,"  and  "Fire  Kings," 
have  been  crowned  by  this  poetical  magician,  to  rule  with  despotism  in  the 
realms  of  Fancy.  A  lively  satirist,  endowed  with  the  gifts  of  Genius,  easy 
in  versification,  pleasant  in  his  humour,  and  inimitably  successful  in  parody, 
has,  in  some  of  his  "Tales  of  Terror"  undertaken  to  mock  the  doleful  tones 
of  Mr.  Lewis's  muse,  or  shall  we  rather  say  the  hoarse  caw  of  the  German 
raven.  The  midnight  hour  has  been  beguiled,  by  transcribing  the  following 
sarcasm,  founded  on  a  well-known  nursery  story,  and  our  readers  will  thank 
us  for  sitting  up  so  late  for  their  amusement. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  147 

THE    WOLF    KING; 

OR 
LITTLE   RED    RIDING    HOOD. 

An  Old  Woman's  Tale. 
Veteres  avias  tibi  de  pulmone  revello Persius. 

Translated  from  the  Danish  of  the  author  of  the  Water  King,  etc.,  and 
respectfully  inscribed  to  M.  G.  Lewis,  Esq.,  M.P.,  as  an  humble  attempt  to 
imitate  his  excellent  version  of  that  celebrated  ballad. 

The  birds  they  sung,  the  morning  smil'd 
The  mother  kiss'd  her  darling  child, 
And  said  ..."  My  dear,  take  custards  three, 
And  carry  to  your  grandmummie." 

The  pretty  maid  had  on  her  head 
A  little  riding  hood  of  red, 
And  as  she  pass'd  the  lonely  wood, 
They  call'd  her  small  red  riding  hood. 

Her  basket  on  her  arm  she  hung, 
And  as  she  went  thus  artless  sung : 
"  A  lady  lived  beneath  a  hill, 
Who  if  not  gone,  resides  their  still." 

The  wolf  king  saw  her  pass  along, 
He  ey'd  her  custards  heard  her  song, 
And  cried  "  That  child  and  custards  three 
This  evening  shall  my  supper  be!" 

Now  swift  the  maid  pursu'd  her  way, 
And  heedless  trill'd  her  plaintive  lay; 
Nor  had  she  pass'd  the  murky  wood, 
When  lo!   the  wolf  king  near  her  stood. 

"  Oh !   stop  my  pretty  child  so  gay ! 
Oh!  whither  do  you  bend  your  way?" 
"  My  little  self  and  custards  three 
Are  going  to  my  grandmummie." 


148  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

"  While  you  by  yonder  mountain  go, 
On  which  the  azure  blue  bells  grow, 
I'll  take  this  road ;  then  haste  thee,  dear, 
Or  I  before  you  will  be  there. 

"  And  when  our  racing  shall  be  done, 
A  kiss  you  forfeit,  if  I've  won ; 
Your  prize  shall  be,  if  first  you  come, 
Some  barley  sugar  and  a  plumb." 

"  Oh !  thank  you,  good  sir  Wolf,"  said  she, 
And  dropt  a  pretty  courtesie: 
The  little  maid  then  onward  hied, 
And  sought  the  blue  bell  mountain  side. 

The  wolf  sped  on  o'er  marsh  and  moor, 
And  faintly  tapp'd  at  granny's  door : 
"Oh !   let  me  in,  grandmummy  good, 
For  I  am  small  red  riding  hood." 

"The  bobbin  pull  (the  grandam  cried), 
The  door  will  then  fly  open  wide." 
The  crafty  wolf  the  bobbin  drew, 
And  straight  the  door  wide  open  flew. 

He  pac'd  the  bed  room  eight  times  four, 
And  utter'd  thrice  a  hideous  roar; 
He  pac'd  the  bed  room  nine  times  three, 
And  then  devour'd  poor  grandmummie. 

He  dash'd  her  brains  out  on  the  stones, 
He  gnaw'd  her  sinews,  crack'd  her  bones ; 
He  munch'd  her  heart,  he  quaff'd  her  gore, 
And  up  her  lights  and  liver  tore.*  ! ! ! ! 


*  This  stanza  is  borrowed  from  an  affecting  and  sanguinary  description  in  a 
German  ballad  by  Professor  Von  Spluttbach,  called  Skulth  den  Balch,  or  Sour 
Mthltz;  in  English,  as  far  as  a  translation  can  convey  an  idea  of  the  horror 
of  the  original,  "  The  Bloody  Banquet,  or  the  Gulph  of  Ghosts ! ! !"  a  very  ter 
rible  and  meritorious  production. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  149 

Grandmummy's  bed  he  straight  got  in, 
Her  night-cap  tied  beneath  his  chin ; 
And,  waiting  for  his  destin'd  prey, 
All  snug  between  the  sheets  he  lay. 

Now  at  the  door  a  voice  heard  he, 

Which  cried  .  .  .  "I've  brought  you  custards  three ; 

Oh!    let  me  in,  grandmummy  good, 

For  I  am  small  red  riding  hood." 

"  The  bobbin  pull  (the  wolf  king  cried), 
The  door  will  then  fly  open  wide." 
The  little  dear  the  bobbin  drew, 
And  straight  the  door  wide  open  flew.* 

She  plac'd  the  custards  on  the  floor, 

And  sigh'd  ..."  I  wish  I'd  brought  you  four.^ 

I'm  very  tir'd,  dear  grandmummie ; 

Oh !  may  I  come  to  bed  to  thee  ?" 

"Oh  come!    (the  wolf  king  softly  cried), 
And  lie,  my  sweet  one,  by  my  side :" 
Ah !  little  thought  the  child  so  gay 
The  cruel  wolf  king  near  her  lay! 

"  Oh !   tell  me,  tell  me,  granny  dear, 
Why  does  your  -voice  so  gruff  appear?" 
"Oh!  hush,  sweetheart  (the  wolf  king  said), 
I've  got  a  small  cold  in  my  head !" 

"  Oh !  tell  me,  grandmummie  so  kind, 
Why  you've  a  tail  grows  out  behind?" 
"  Oh !   hush  thee,  hush  thee,  pretty  dear, 
My  pincushion  I  hang  on  there !" 


*  Repetition  is  the  soul  of  ballad  writing. 

t  The  reader  will  do  my  heroine  the  j  ustice  to  remember  that  she  set  out 
with  only  three,  consequently  her  wish  that  another  had  been  added,  arose 
from  a  motive  purely  affectionate  and  characteristic.  This  benevolent  trait, 
ingeniously  insinuated,  excites  the  interest  of  the  reader  for  her,  and  adds 
horror  to  the  catastrophe. 


150       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

"  Why  do  your  eyes  so  glare  on  me  ?" 
"  They  are  your  pretty  face  to  see." 
"  Why  do  your  ears  so  long  appear  ?" 
"  They  are  your  pretty  voice  to  hear." 

"  Oh !    tell  me,  granny,  why  to-night 
Your  teeth  appear  so  long  and  white?"* 
Then,  growling,  cried  the  wolf  so  grim, 
"  They  are  to  tear  you  limb  from  limb !" 

His  hungry  teeth  the  wolf  king  gnash'd, 
His  sparkling  eyes  with  fury  flash'd, 
He  op'd  his  jaws  all  sprent  with  blood, 
And  fell  on  small  red  riding  hood. 

He  tore  her  bowels  out  one  and  two, 
"  Little  maid,  I  will  eat  you !" 
But  when  he  tore  out  three  and  four, 
The  little  maid  she  was  no  more! 

Take  warning  hence,  ye  children  fair; 
Of  wolves'  insidious  arts  beware ; 
And,  as  you  pass  each  lonely  wood, 
Ah !  think  of  small  red  riding  hood ! 

With  custards  sent,  nor  loiter  slow, 
Nor  gather  blue  bells  as  you  go; 
Get  not  to  bed  with  grandmummie, 
Lest  she  a  ravenous  wolf  should  be! 
Port  Folio,  11-173,  June  5,  1802,  Phila. 


*Our  heroine  is  here  lost  in  double  astonishment;  not  only  the  length,  but 
the  whiteness  of  her  grandmother's  teeth  excites  her  wonder  and  suspicion. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  15  r 

The  following  piece  of  singular  and  original  composition  was  found  amongst 
the  papers  of  an  old  Dutchman,  in  Albany.  The  manuscript  has  suffered 
considerably  from  the  tooth  of  time,  and  from  several  marks  of  antiquity 
about  it,  it  may  be  safely  inferred,  that  a  century  at  least  has  elapsed  since 
it  was  written.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  inform  the  judicious  reader,  that 
this  piece  is  no  other  than  a  billet  doux,  or  love  epistle,  sent  by  some  Dutch 
swain  in  the  country,  to  the  girl  of  his  heart,  who,  it  seems,  had  gone  to 
reside  some  time  in  the  city  of  Albany. 


HANS    LETTER    TO    NOTCHIE, 

Mine  Cot,  vat  vose  does  Hans  se  feel, 
Vile  lufly  Notchie  is  avay, 

Vat  is  de  matter,  vat  de  deel, 
Does  make  you  zo  vorever  stay. 

I  sleep  none  in  de  day,  nor  nite, 
Mit  such  impashuns  I  duz  burn, 

Zo,  when  de  shell  drake  vings  hur  vlite, 
Pore  Frow  she  mornes  vor  his  return. 

Zo  owls  will  hoot,  und  cats  will  mew, 
Und  dogs  will  howl ;  und  storms  will  ney, 

Und  zhall  not  I  more  anguish  sho, 
Vile  .lufly  Notchie  is  avay. 

A  shacket  I  has  lately  hot, 
Und  brokenbrooks  zo  zoft  as  zilk, 

Stripd  as  your  under  petticote, 
Und  vite  as  any  buttermilk. 

Make  hase,  mine  dere,  und  quikly  cum, 
Mine  vaders  goin  to  di,  you  zee, 

Und  Yacups  cot  his  viddle  home, 
Und  we  shall  haf  a  daring  bee. 

I  feres  zum  Yanky  vull  uv  art, 
More  cunnin,  as  de  ferry  dele, 

Vill  git  away  yorn  little  hart, 
Zo  as  da  will  our  horshes  stele. 


152  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

If  any  wun  yore  hart  shool  blunder, 
Mine  horshes  111  do  vaggon  yoke, 

Und  ghase  him  quickly  by  mine  dunder, 
I  vly  zo  zwift  as  any  zpoke. 

Vhen  yonk  Vontoofen,  my  coot  frend 
Zhall  cum  to  zee  you  vhare  you  be, 

Dese  skarlet  carters  I  zhall  zend, 
O  die  dem  on,  und  dink  on  me. 
Port  Folio,  11-176,  June  5,  1802,  Phila. 

["se  feel"  (stanza  I),  "se"  is  no  Dutch  word  and  the  verb  "feel" 
(voelen)  is  not  reflexive  in  Dutch.  In  stanzas  III  and  VI  "  mill "  appears 
in  the  place  of  "  will."  This  is  most  likely  a  misprint,  since  "  w  in  Dutch  is 
a  particularly  tenacious  sound "  and  is  not  replaced  by  m,  as  is  sometimes 
the  case  in  German.  "  Brokenbrooks  "  is  a  coined  word. 

The  author  is  indebted  for  the  above  information  to  Professor  Wm.  H. 
Carpenter,  of  Columbia  University,  and  to  Arnold  Katz,  the  Dutch  vice-con 
sul  at  Philadelphia.] 


HRIM    THOR,    OR    THE    WINTER    KING. 

A  Lapland  Ballad. 

I  shall  not  soon  tire  of  copying  ballads  from  the  "  Tales  of  Terror."  They 
are  the  legitimate  offspring  of  genius.  We  are  conducted  by  a  versatile  guide, 
sometimes  into  the  vale  of  tears,  and  sometimes  into  the  hall  of  mirth.  But 
let  him  lead  us  where  he  will,  we  cheerfully  follow  and  always  find  ourselves 
with  a  sensible  and  tuneful  companion.  I  am  half  inclined  to  suspect  that 
Mr.  Lewis  himself  is  the  concealed  author.  We  know  how  he  brilliantly 
travestied  his  own  ballad,  Alonzo  the  Brave,  and  it  is  probable  that  in  this 
collection  he  is  alter  et  idem. 

[The  poem  follows.] 

Port  Folio,  11-195,  June  26,  1802,  Phila. 

[M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Terror,  1799,  Kelso.    Cf.  p.  18.] 


GRIM,    KING    OF    THE    GHOSTS, 

OR   THE   DANCE  OF   DEATH. 
Port  Folio,  11-199,  June  26,  1802,  Phila. 
[M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Terror.    Cf.  p.  18.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  153 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  BELOVED  ONLY   SON. 

Translated  from  a  Danish  Inscription. 

By  T.  CAMPBELL,  Esq. 
Port  Folio,  11-352,  Nov.  1802,  Phila. 

WRITTEN    IN    GERMANY, 

IN   AUTUMN,    1801. 

Hail,  deadly  Autumn,  and  thy  fading  leaf, 

I  .love  thee,  drear  and  gloomy  as  thou  art ; 

Not  joyful  Spring,  like  thee  can  soften  grief, 

Nor  gaudy  Summer  soothe  the  aching  heart ; 

But  in  thy  cheerless,  solitary  bower, 

Beneath  the  varied  shade,  I  love  to  lie, 

When  dusky  Evening's  melancholy  hour 

With  boding  clouds  obscures  the  low'ring  sky, 

And  tuneless  birds  and  fading  flowers  appear 

In  grief  to  hang  their  heads,  and  mourn  the  parting  year. 

'Tis  not  the  gloomy  sky,  the  parting  year, 

'Tis  not  the  Winter's  dreary  reign  I  mourn, 

But  absent  friends  —  and  one  than  life  more  dear, 

And  joys  departed,  never  to  return! 

O  gentle  Hope,  that  'mid  Siberia's  snows, 

Can  cheer  the  wretched  exile's  lingering  year, 

And  where  the  sun  on  curs'd  Oppression  glows, 

Can  check  the  sigh,  and  wipe  the  falling  tear, 

Thy  gentle  care — thy  succour  I  implore; 

O  raise  thy  heavenly  voice,  and  bid  me  weep  no  more. 

Thou  hears't  my  prayer  —  I  feel  thy  holy  flame  — 
And  future  joys  in  bright  succession  rise, 
And  mutual  love  and  friendship  —  sacred  name! 
And  home  and  all  the  blessings  that  I  prize. 
Thou,  Memory,  lendst  thy  aid,  and  to  my  view 
Each  friend  I  love,  and  every  scene  most  dear, 


I54  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

In  forms  more  bright  than  ever  painter  drew, 
Fresh  from  thy  pencil's  magic  tint  appear. 
Roll  on,  ye  lingering  hours,  that  lie  between, 
Till  Truth  shall  realize,  and  Virtue  bless,  the  scene. 

— R. 
N.  E.  Quarterly  Mag.,  No.  Ill -271,  Oct. -Dec.  1802,  Boston. 


ALBERT    OF   WERDENDORFF. 

OR,    THE   MIDNIGHT   EMBRACE. 

A  German  Romance. 
Nocturnus  occurram  furor.    Hor. 
Port  Folio,  IV -334,  Oct.  20,  1804,  Phila. 
[M.  G.  Lewis,  Tales  of  Terror,  1799,  Kelso.] 

ON    THE    DEATH    OF   MR.    HANDEL. 

In  the  midst  of  the  performance  of  his  Lent  Oratorio,  (1759)  of  the  Mes 
siah,  nature  exhausted,  he  dropt  his  head  upon  the  keys  of  the  organ  he  was 
playing  upon,  and  with  difficulty  raised  up  again.  He  recovered  his  spirits, 
and  went  on  with  the  performance  until  the  whole  was  finished.  He  was 
carried  home,  and  died. 

To  melt  the  soul,  to  captivate  the  ear, 

(Angels  such  melody  might  deign  to  hear,) 

To  anticipate  on  earth  the  joys  of  heav'n, 

'Twas  Handel's  task:    to  him  that  pow'r  was  giv'n. 

Ah,  when  he  late  attuned  Messiah's  praise, 
With  sound  celestial,  with  melodious  lays: 
A  last  farewell,  his  languid  looks  express'd, 
And  thus,  methinks,  th'  enraptur'd  crowd  addrest. 

"  Adieu,  my  dearest  friend,  and  also  you, 
"  Joint  sons  of  sacred  harmony,  adieu ! 
"  Apollo  whispering,  prompts  me  to  retire, 
"  And  bids  me  join  the  bright  seraphic  choir : 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  155 

"  Oh !   for  Elijah's  car !"  great  Handel  cry'd : 
Messiah  heard  his  voice,  and  Handel  died. 
Boston  Weekly  Mag.,  II -208,  Oct.  20,  1804,  Boston. 


WRITTEN    IN    GERMANY,    ON    ONE    OF    THE 

COLDEST    DAYS    OF   THE    CENTURY, 

BY   W.    WORDSWORTH. 

Port  Folio,  IV- 342,  Oct.  27,  1804,  Phila. 

[William  Wordsworth,  idem. 

"  The  Reader  must  be  apprised,  that  the  stoves  in  North  Germany  generally 
have  the  impression  of  a  galloping  horse  upon  them,  this  being  part  of  the 
Brunswick  arms."] 


A  HUMBLE  IMITATION   OF  SOME   STANZAS, 

WRITTEN  BY  W.  WORDSWORTH,  IN  GERMANY,  ON  ONE  OF  THE 
COLDEST   DAYS    OF   THE    CENTURY. 

'A  fig  for  your  languages,  German  and  Norse, 
Let  me  have  the  song  of  the  kettle 
And  the  tongs  and  the  poker.' — W.  W. 

[The  poem,  which  contains  no  references  to  Germany,  follows.] 
Port  Folio,  IV- 342,  Oct.  27,  1804,  Phila. 


AGAINST    FAUSTUS. 

In  scorn  of  writers,  Faustus  still  doth  hold, 
Nought  is  now  said,  but  hath  been  said  of  old ; 
Well,  Faustus,  say  my  wits  are  gross  and  dull, 
If  for  that  word  I  give  thee  not  a  Gull : 
Thus  then  I  prove  thou  holdst  a  false  position  ; 
I  say  thou  art  a  man  of  fair  condition, 
A  man  true  of  thy  word,  tall  of  thy  hands, 
Of  high  descent  and  left  good  store  of  lands ; 


156  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Thou  with  false  dice  and  cards  hast  never  play'd, 
Corrupted  never  widow,  wife  or  maid, 
And,  as  for  swearing,  none  in  all  this  realm, 
Doth  seldomer  in  speech  curse  or  blaspheme. 
In  fine,  your  virtues  are  so  rare  and  ample, 
For  all  our  Song  thou  mayst  be  made  a  sample. 
This,  I  dare  swear,  none  ever  said  before, 
This,  I  may  swear,  none  ever  -will  say  more. 
Port  Folio,  IV- 383,  Dec.  i,  1804,  Phila. 


THE  CELEBRATED  Swiss  AIR, 
RANZ    DES    VACHES. 

"  This  air,  so  dear  to  the  Swiss,"  says  Rousseau,  "  was  forbidden  by  the 
French  government  to  be  played  among  the  Swiss  soldiers,  employed  in  the 
service  of  France,  under  pain  of  death;  because  it  excited  such  a  fond  re 
membrance  of  the  scenes  they  had  witnessed  in  their  own  native  country,  and 
such  a  strong  desire  of  seeing  them  again,  that  it  caused  them  to  shed  tears, 
to  desert,  or,  if  they  despaired  of  this,  to  commit  suicide." 

Quand  reverrai-je,  en  un  jour, 
Tous  les  objets  de  mon  amour? 
Nos  claires  ruisseaux, 
Nos  couteaux  [sic], 
Nos  hameaux, 
Nos  montagnes, 

Et  1'ornament  de  nos  campagnes, 
La  si  gentille  Isabeau? 
A  1'ombre  d'un  ormeau, 
Quand  danserai-je  au  son  du  chalumeau? 

Quand  reverrai-je,  en  un  jour, 
Tous  les  objects  de  mon  amour? 

Mon  pere, 

Ma  mere, 

Mon  frere 

Ma  soeur, 
Mes  agneaux 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  157 

Mes  troupeaux, 
Ma  bergere? 

Quand  reverrai-je,  en  un  jonr, 
Tous  les  objet  de  mon  amour? 


LITERAL   TRANSLATION. 

When  shall  I  behold  again,  in  one  day,  all  the  pleasing  objects  of 
my  affection? — our  clear  streams,  our  cottages  [sic],  our  hamlets, 
our  mountains,  and  the  ornament  of  our  fields,  the  gentle  Isabelle? 
—  Under  the  shade  of  a  spreading  elm,  when  shall  I  dance  again  to 
the  sound  of  the  tabor? 

When  shall  I  behold  again,  in  one  day,  all  pleasing  objects  of  my 
love? — my  father,  mother,  brothers,  sisters,  my  lambs,  my  flocks, 
and  my  faithful  shepherdess? — When  shall  I  behold  again,  in  one 
day,  all  the  pleasing  objects  of  my  affection? 

Boston,  Jan.  30,  1805. 
Boston  Weekly  Mag.,  Ill -60,  Feb.  2,  1805,  Boston. 


For  the  Port  Folio. 

THE    SCANDINAVIAN    HERO. 

SKOGUL. 

From  midst  the  dusty  fields  of  war 
To  realms  beyond  the  northern  star, 
To  loud  Valhalla's  echoing  halls, 
I  bear  the  hero  ere  he  falls ; 
The  valiant  dwell  in  those  abodes, 
And  sit  amid  carousing  gods ; 
Not  goblets  rich,  nor  flasks  of  gold, 
But  skulls  of  mantling  mead  they  hold ; 
The  coward  while  he  gasps  for  breath, 
Sinks  darkling  to  Hela  beneath. 

HAROLD. 

O  be  it  mine,  from  conflict  borne, 
To  reach  the  realms  of  endless  morn ; 


158       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

At  Odin's  board  my  lips  I'll  lave 
In  the  foam'd  bev'rage  of  the  brave. 

ODIN. 

Who  breaks  the  dusty  fields  of  war, 
Death  travels  by  his  clattering  car; 
Perch'd  on  the  whirlwind's  thund'ring  tower, 
On  comes  the  sable  tempest's  power ; 
Ye  warriors  rise,  ye  chiefs  give  room, 
A  godlike  guest  in  youthful  bloom, 
Harold  from  fields  of  battle  see, 
Begin  th'  immortal  revelry. 

S. 
Port  Folio,  V-I20,  Apr.  20,  1805,  Phila. 


WERTER'S    EPITAPH. 

Phila.  Repos.,  V-i64,  May  25,  1805,  Phila. 

[Also  in  Amer.  Museum,  1-474,  May  1787,  Phila.] 


PRAYER    OF    FREDERICK    II 
IN  BEHALF  OF  POETS. 

Ye  Gods!    from  whom  each  favour'd  bard 
Receives  those  talents  verse  requires, 
O  teach  them  truth !   for  sure  'tis  hard 
They  should  be  all  such  wicked  liars. 
Boston  Mag.,  I -12,  Nov.  9,  1805,  Boston. 


A  SKETCH  OF  THE  ALPS,  AT  DAYBREAK. 

The  sun-beams  streak  the  azure  skies, 
And  line  with  light  the  mountain's  brow ; 

With  hounds  and  horns  the  hunters  rise, 
And  chase  the  roebuck  through  the  snow. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  159 

From  rock  to  rock,  with  giant-bound, 

High  on  their  iron  poles  they  pass ; 
Mute,  lest  the  air,  convuls'd  by  sound, 

Rend  from  above  a  frozen  mass. 

The  goats  wind  slow  their  wonted  way, 

Up  craggy  steeps  and  ridges  rude; 
Mark'd  by  the  wild  wolf  for  his  prey, 

From  desert  cave  or  hanging  wood. 

And  while  the  torrent  thunders  loud, 

And  as  the  echoing  cliffs  reply, 
The  huts  peep  o'er  the  morning  cloud, 

Perch'd,  like  an  eagle's  nest,  on  high. 
Evening  Fireside,  11-74,  Feb.  8,  1806,  Phila. 


In  the  following  exquisite  Parody,  the  sentiments  are  not  less  admirable 
than  the  talents  of  the  author.  We  have  often  expressed  our  contempt  for 
German  plays,  and  we  are  happy  to  fortify  our  opinion  of  the  Teutonic  Muse, 
with  the  wit  of  a  man  of  genius,  and  a  polite  scholar. 

ODE  TO  THE  GERMAN  DRAMA, 

By  Mr.  SEWARD. 
A  Parody  of  Gray's  Ode  to  Adversity. 

Daughter  of  night,  chaotic  Queen! 

Thou  fruitful  source  of  modern  lays, 
Whose  turbid  plot,  and  tedious  scene, 

The  monarch  spurn,  the  robber  raise. 
Bound  in  thy  necromantic  spell 
The  audience  taste  the  joys  of  hell, 
And  Briton's  sons  indignant  grown 
With  pangs  unfelt  before,  at  crimes  before  unknown. 

When  first,  to  make  the  nation  stare, 

Folly  her  painted  mask  display'd, 
Schiller  sublimely  mad  was  there, 

And  Kotz'bue  lent  his  leaden  aid. 


160  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Gigantic  pair!    their  lofty  soul 

Disdaining  reason's  weak  control, 

On  changeful  Britain  sped  the  blow, 

Who,  thoughtless  of  her  own,  embraced  fictitious  woe. 

Aw'd  by  thy  scowl  tremendous,  fly 

Fair  Comedy's  theatric  brood, 
Light  satire,  wit,  and  harmless  joy, 

And  leave  us  dungeons,  chains  and  blood. 
Swift  they  disperse,  and  with  them  go, 
Mild  Otway,  sentimental  Rowe ; 
Congreve  averts  the  indignant  eye, 
And  Shakespeare  mourns  to  view  the  exotic  prodigy. 

Ruffians,  in  regal  mantle  dight, 

Maidens  immers'd  in  thoughts  profound, 

Spectres,  that  haunt  the  shades  of  night, 
And  spread  a  waste  of  ruin  round. 

These  form  thy  never-varying  theme, 

While,  buried  in  thy  Stygian  stream, 

Religion  mourns  her  wasted  fires 

And  Hymen's  sacred  torch  low  hisses,  and  expires. 

O  mildly  on  the  British  stage, 

Great  Anarch !    spread  thy  sable  wings ; 

Not  fired  with  all  the  frantic  rage, 

With  which  thou  hurl'st  thy  darts  at  kings. 

As  thou  in  native  garb  art  seen, 

With  scattered  tresses,  haggard  mien, 

Sepulchral  chains  and  hideous  cry 

By  despot  arts  immur'd  in  ghastly  poverty. 

In  specious  form,  dread  Queen!  appear; 

Let  falsehood  fill  the  dreary  waste ; 
Thy  democratic  rant  be  here, 

To  fire  the  brain,  corrupt  the  taste. 
The  fair,  by  vicious  love  misled, 
Teach  me  to  cherish  and  to  wed, 
To  low-born  arrogance  to  bend, 

Establish'd  order  spurn,  and  call  each  outcast  friend. 
Port  Folio,  1-92,  Feb.  15,  1806,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  l6l 

THE    SWEDISH    COTTAGE. 

From  Carr's  Northern  Summer. 

Here,  far  from  all  the  pomp  ambition  seeks, 
Much  sought,  but  only  whilst  untasted  prais'd, 

Content  and  Innocence,  with  rosy  cheeks, 

Enjoy  the  simple  shed  their  hands  have  rais'd. 

On  a  gay  rock  it  stands,  whose  fretted  base 
The  distant  cataract's  murm'ring  waters  lave ; 

Whilst,  o'er  its  grassy  roof,  with  varying  grace, 
The  slender  branches  of  the  white  birch  wave. 

Behind,  the  forest  fir  is  heard  to  sigh, 

On  which  the  pensive  ear  delights  to  dwell ; 

And,  as  the  gazing  stranger  passes  by, 

The  grazing  goat  looks  up  and  rings  his  bell. 

Oh !   in  my  native  land,  ere  life's  decline, 
May  such  a  spot,  so  wild,  so  sweet,  be  mine ! 

Weekly  Visitant,  1-63,  Feb.  22,  1806,  Salem. 

[Sir  John  Carr,  A  Northern  Summer;  or  Travels  round  the  Baltic  in  1804, 
London,  1805.] 


ODE    TO    DEATH. 

By   Frederick  II,   King  of   Prussia.    Translated   from   the   French   by   Dr. 

Hawkesworth. 
Polyanthos,  1-270,  Mar.  1806,  Boston. 

[Also  in  New  Haven  Gas.  and  Conn.   Mag.,  I -339,  Dec.   7,    1786,   New 
Haven.] 


THE    DANCING    BEAR.     A    FABLE. 

[Perhaps  suggested  by  Gellert's  fable  of  the  same  title,  but  differing  much 
in  content.  Cf.  Port  Folio,  1-400,  Dec.  12,  1801,  Phila.,  where  a  translation 
of  Gellert's  poem  is  given.] 

Emerald,  I-u8,  July  5,  1806,  Boston. 
II 


1 62       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  following  song  by  M.  G.  Lewis  Esq.  is,  as  we  are  apprized  by  that 
gentleman,  derived  from  the  French,  though  the  swain  who  figures  in 
it  appears  to  be  a  German.  The  thought  is  pretty  and  the  measure 
flowing. 

A  wolf,  while  Julia  slept,  had  made 

Her  favorite  lamb  his  prize ; 
Young  Casper  flew  to  give  his  aid, 

Who  heard  the  trembler's  cries. 
He  drove  the  wolf  from  off  the  green, 

But  claim'd  a  kiss  for  pay. 
Ah !  Julia,  better  'twould  have  been, 

Had  Casper  staid  away. 

While  grateful  feelings  warm'd  her  breast, 

She  own'd  she  loved  the  swain ; 
The  youth  eternal  love  professed, 

And  kiss'd  and  kiss'd  again. 
A  fonder  pair  was  never  seen ; 

They  lov'd  the  live  long  day: 
Ah!  Julia,  better  'twould  have  been 

Had  Casper  staid  away. 

At  length,  the  sun  his  beams  withdrew, 

And  night  inviting  sleep, 
Fond  Julia  rose  and  bade  adieu, 

Then  homeward  drove  her  sheep. 
Alas !  her  thoughts  were  chang'd,  I  ween, 

For  thus  I  heard  her  say ; 
Ah !  Julia,  better  'twould  have  been, 

Had  Casper  staid  away. 
Port  Folio,  11-94,  Aug.  16,  1806,  Phila. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  163 

EXTRACTS    FROM    "THE   WANDERER    OF 
SWITZERLAND" 

by  James  Montgomery,  London,   1806. 
Port  Folio,  II-3<5o,  412,  Dec.  20,  31,  1806,  Phila. 

[James  Montgomery,  The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland  and  Other  Poems,  Lon 
don,  1806.  The  first  American  edition  from  the  second  London  edition  — 
N.  Y.,  1807. 

Extracts  from  Parts  VI  and  I  respectively.     Cf.   Preface.] 


RUNIC    ODE. 

THE    HAUNTING   OF    HAVARDUR. 
By  C.  Leftly,  Esq. 

Son  of  Angrym,  warrior  bold, 
Stay  thy  travel  o'er  the  wold; 
Stop,  Havardur,  stop  thy  steed ; 
Thy  death,  thy  bloody  death's  decreed. 
She,  Coronzon's  lovely  maid, 
Whom  thy  wizard  wiles  betray'd, 
Glides  along  the  darken'd  coast, 
A  frantic,  pale,  enshrouded  ghost. 
Where  the  fisher  dries  his  net, 
Rebel  waves  her  body  beat ; 
Seduc'd  by  thee,  she  toss'd  her  form 
To  the  wild  fury  of  the  storm. 

Know  thou  feeble  child  of  dust, 
Odin's  brave,  and  Odin's  just ; 
From  the  Golden  Hall  I  come 
To  pronounce  thy  fatal  doom ; 
Never  shall  thou  pass  the  scull 
Of  rich  metheglin  deep  and  full : 
Late  I  left  the  giant  throng, 
Yelling  loud  thy  funeral  song ; 
Imprecating  deep  and  dread 
Curses  on  thy  guilty  head. 
Soon  with  Lok,  thy  tortur'd  soul, 


1 64       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Must  in  boiling  billows  roll ; 

Till  the  God's  eternal  light 

Bursts  athwart  thy  gloom  of  night ; 

Till  Surtur  gallops  from  afar, 

To  burn  this  breathing  world  of  war. 

Bold  to  brave  the  spear  of  death, 
Heroes  hurry  o'er  the  heath: 
Hasten  to  the  smoking  feast — 
Welcome  every  helmed  guest, 
Listen  hymns  of  sweet  renown, 
Battles  by  thy  fathers  won  ; 
Frame  thy  face  in  wreathed  smiles, 
Mirth  the  moodiest  mind  beguiles. — 
Yet  I  hover  always  nigh, 
Bid  thee  think, — and  bid  thee  sigh; 
Yet  I  goad  thy  rankling  breast; — 
Never,  never,  shalt  thou  rest. 

What  avails  thy  bossy  shield? 
What  the  guard  thy  gauntlets  yield  ? 
What  the  morion  on  thy  brow  ? 
Or  the  hauberk's  rings  below? 
If  to  live  in  anguish  fear, 
Danger  always  threatening  near : 
Lift  on  high  thy  biting  mace, 
See  him  glaring  in  thy  face; 
Turn — yet  meet  him,  madd'ning  fly, 
Curse  thy  coward  soul,  and  die. 

Not  upon  the  field  of  fight 
Hela  seals  thy  lips  in  night ; 
A  brother,  of  infernal  brood, 
Bathes  him  in  thy  heart's  hot  blood ; 
Twice  two  hundred  vassals  bend, 
Hail  him  as  their  guardian  friend ; 
Mock  thee  writhing  with  the  wound, 
Bid  thee  bite  the  dusty  ground ; 
Leave  thee  suffering,  scorn'd  alone, 
To  die  unpitied  and  unknown. 

Be  thy  nacked  carcase  strew'd, 
To  give  the  famish'd  eagles  food ; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  165 

Sea-mews  screaming  on  the  shore, 
Dip  their  beaks,  and  drink  thy  gore. 
Be  thy  fiend-fir'd  spirit  borne, 
Wreck'd  upon  the  fiery  tide, 
An  age  of  agony  abide. 

But  soft,  the  morning-bell  beats  one, 
The  glow-worm  fades ;  and,  see,  the  sun 
Flashes  his  torch  behind  yon  hill. 
At  night,  when  wearied  nature's  still, 
And  horror  stalks  along  the  plain, 
Remember — we  must  meet  again. 

Port  Folio,  II-4IS,  Dec.  31,  1806,  Phila. 


Burger's  beautiful  ballad, 

Earl  Walter  winds  his  bugle  horn, 
To  horse!   to  horse!   halloo!   halloo!. 

has  given  rise  in  England  to  a  very  humorous 
PARODY. 

Mirth,  with  thee  I  mean  to  live. 

Earl  Walter  kicks  the  waiter's  rump, 

Down  stairs !  down  stairs !  halloo,  halloo ! 

They  sally  forth,  they  wheel,  they  jump, 
And  fast  the  scampering  watch  pursue. 

The  jolly  bucks  from  tavern  freed, 

Dash  fearless  on  through  thick  and  thin, 

While  answering  alleys,  as  they  speed, 
Loudly  re-echo  to  their  din. 

Saint  Dunstan's  arm,  with  massy  stroke 
The  solemn  midnight  peal  had  rung, 

And  bawling  out,  "  Past  twelve  o'clock," 
Loud,  long  and  deep  the  watchman  sung. 


1 66       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  clamorous  Earl  Walter  guides, 
Huzza,  Huzza,  my  merry  men, 

When,  puffing,  holding  both  their  sides, 
Two  strangers  haste  to  join  his  train. 

The  right-hand  stranger's  locks  were  grey, 
But  who  he  was  I  cannot  tell ; 

The  left  was  debonnair  and  gay, 
A  dashing  blood  I  know  full  well. 

He  wav'd  his  beaver  hat  on  high, 

Cried,  "  Welcome,  welcome,  noble  lord ! 

What  joys  can  earth,  or  sea,  or  sky, 

To  match  our  midnight  sports  afford?" 

"  Methinks,"  the  other  said,  "  'twere  best 
To  leave,  my  friends,  your  frantick  joys, 

And  for  the  balmy  sweets  of  rest, 

Exchange  such  rude  discordant  noise." 

But  still  Earl  Walter  onward  hies, 
And  dashing  forward,  on  they  go, 

Huzza,  huzza,  each  toper  cries, 
"  Hark  forward,  forward,  hollo  ho !" 

The  jovial  band  Earl  Walter  guides, 
Along  the  Fleet,  up  Ludgate-Hill, 

And  puffing,  holding  both  their  sides, 
His  boon  companions  follow  still. 

From  yonder  winding  lane  out  springs 
A  phantom,  white  as  snow, 

And  louder  still  Earl  Walter  sings, 
"  Hark  forward,  forward,  hollo,  ho !" 

A  quaker  prim  has  crossed  the  way, 
He  sprawls  their  nimble  feet  below, 

But  what  care  they  for  yea-and-nay, 
Still  forward,  forward,  on  they  go. 

See,  at  the  corner  of  yon  street, 

A  humble  stall,  with  apples  crown'd ! 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  167 

See,  scatter'd  by  Earl  Walter's  feet, 
The  woman's  apples  rolling  round. 

"  O  Lord !  have  mercy  on  my  stall, 

Spare  the  hard  earnings  of  the  poor, 
The  helpless  widow's  little  all, 

The  fruit  of  many  a  watchful  hour." 

Earnest  the  right  hand  stranger  pleads, 

The  left  still  pointing  to  the  prey, 
The  impatient  Earl  no  warning  heeds, 

But  furious  holds  the  onward  way. 

"  Away,  thou  poor  old  wither'd  witch, 

Or  dread  the  scourge's  echoing  blow !" 
Then  loud  he  sung  and  wav'd  his  switch, 

"  Hark  forward,  forward,  hollo  ho !" 

So  said,  so  done ;  one  single  bound 

Clears  the  green  grocer's  humble  stall ; 
While  through  the  apples  scatter'd  round, 

They  hurry,  hurry,  one  and  all. 

And  now  behold  the  tim'rous  prey, 

Beyond  the  reach  of  Comus'  crew, 
Still  lightly  trip  along  the  way, 

Unconscious  who  her  steps  pursue. 

Again  they  wheel,  their  nimble  feet 

The  devious  way  still  quickly  trace, 
Down  Ludgate-Hill,  along  the  Fleet, 

The  unwearied  Earl  pursues  the  chase. 

The  watch  now  muster  strong  and  dare 

Dispute  the  empire  of  the  field ; 
They  wave  their  cudgels  high  in  air, 

"  Now  yield  thee,  noble  Baron  yield." 

"  Unmanner'd  vagabonds !    in  vain 

You  strive  to  mar  our  nightly  game ; 
Come  on  !  come  on  !  my  merry  men, 

The  raggamufnns  we  can  tame." 


1 68  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

In  heaps  the  victims  bite  the  dust, 

Down  sinks  Earl  Walter  on  the  ground, 

Now  run  who  can,  and  lie  who  must, 
For  loud  the  watchmen's  rattles  sound. 

Now  to  the  justice  borne  along, 

In  sullen  majesty  they  go ; 
The  place  receives  the  motley  throng, 

And  echoes  to  their  hollo  ho! 

All  mild  amid  the  rout  profane, 
The  justice  solemn  thus  began : 

"  Forebear  your  knighthood  thus  to  stain, 
Revere  the  dignity  of  man. 

The  meanest  trull  has  rights  to  plead, 
Which  wrong'd  by  cruelty  or  pride, 

Draw  vengeance  on  thy  guilty  head, 
Howe'er  by  titles  dignified." 

Cold  drops  of  sweat  in  many  a  trill, 
Adown  Earl  Walter's  temples  fall, 

And  louder,  louder,  louder  still, 

The  surly  watch  for  vengeance  call. 

The  right-hand  stranger  anxious  pleads ; 

The  clamours  of  the  mob  increase, 
The  riot  act  the  justice  reads, 

And  binds  the  Earl  to  keep  the  peace. 

The  court  broke  up,  they  sally  out, 
And  raise  a  loud,  a  last  huzza ; 

Then  sneak'd  away  and  hung  his  snout, 
Each  disappointed  dog  of  law. 

Muttering  full  many  a  curse,  and  fast 
Homeward  to  slumber  now  they  go ; 

Yet  spite  of  all  that  now  has  passed, 
You'll  hear  next  night  their  hollo  ho ! 

This  is  the  Earl,  and  this  his  train, 
That  oft  the  awaken'd  Cockney  hears ; 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  169 

With  rage  he  glows  in  every  vein 
When  the  wild  din  invades  his  ears. 

The  dreaming  maid  sighs  sad  and  oft, 

That  she  her  visions  must  forego, 
When  waken'd  from  her  slumbers  soft, 

She  hears  the  cry  of  hollo  ho ! 
Port  Folio,  111-44,  Jan.  17,  1807,  Phila. 
[Parody  on  G.  A.  Burger's  poem  Der  wilde  Jager.    Cf.  pp.  34,  85.] 


THE   WANDERER    OF    SWITZERLAND. 

By  JAMES  MONTGOMERY. 

Emerald,  II-io8,  Feb.  28,  1807,  Boston. 

[James  Montgomery,  op.  cit.     Extracts  given.    Cf.  Preface.] 


SWISS    PEASANT. 

Turn  we,  to  survey 

* Vhere  rougher  climes  a  nobler  race  display ; 
Where  the  bleak  Swiss  their  stormy  mansion  tread, 
And  force  a  churlish  soil  for  scanty  bread, 
Yet  still,  e'en  here,  Content  can  spread  a  charm, 
Redress  the  clime,  and  all  its  rage  disarm. 
Though  poor  the  peasant's  hut  his  feast  though  small, 
He  sees  his  little  lot,  the  lot  of  all ; 
Cheerful  at  morn,  he  wakes  from  short  repose, 
Breathes  the  keen  air,  and  carrols  as  he  goes. 
At  night  returning,  every  labour  sped, 
He  sits  him  down,  the  monarch  of  his  shed ; 
Smiles  by  his  cheerful  fire,  and  round  surveys, 
His  children's  looks,  that  brighten  at  the  blaze ; 
While  his  lov'd  partner,  boastful  of  her  hoard, 


1 70       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Displays  her  cleanly  platter  on  her  board ; 
And  haply  too,  some  pilgrim,  hither  led, 
With  many  a  tale  repays  the  nightly  bed. 
Emerald,  II -119,  Mar.  7,  1807,  Boston. 


RUNIC    ODE. 

THE   HAUNTING   OF   HAVARDUR. 

By  C.  LEFTLY,  Esq. 

Balance  and  Columbian  Repos.,  VI -144,  May  5,  1807,  Hudson,  N.  Y. 
[Also  in  Port  Folio,  11-415,  Dec.  31,  1806,  Phila.] 


FOREIGN    POETICAL,    POLITICAL 
SUMMARY. 

PRUSSIA. 


Still  like  a  Bur  she  clings  and  sticks ; 
To  Russia  tho  she  grins  and  kicks, 
Holds  by  the  fur,  which  yet  may  fail, 
For  bears,  alas,  have  got  no  tail. 

HOLLAND. 

Let  Mynheer  Vanderschoffeldt  flout, 
And  swear  and  rave  for  sour  krout ; 
Nay  kick  his  frow  with  solemn  phiz, 
To  make  her  feel  how  goot  it  ish. 
Yet  after  he  has  gorg'd  his  maw 
With  puttermilks  and  goot  olt  slaw, 
Let  him  remember  times  are  such, 
The  French  have  Holland,  not  the  Dutch. 

GERMANY. 

With  roaring  blunderbuss  and  thunder 
All  Germany  is  torn  asunder ; 


IN  AMERICAN   MAGAZINES. 

How  num'rous  circles  near  and  far 
Encircl'd  in  the  arms  of  war  ; 
Her  Hessian  bullies  one  and  all, 
Pay  homage  to  the  spurious  Gaul ; 
And  John  Bull's  farm,  a  goodly  station, 
Makes  soup  to  please  the  Gallic  nation. 
Norfolk  Repos.,  11-232,  May  26,  1807,  Dedham,  Mass. 


ON    THE    BATTLE    OF    HOHENLINDEN. 

By  T.  CAMPBELL. 
Weekly  Inspector,  11-272,  June  20,  1807,  N.  Y. 

[Thomas  Campbell,  idem. 

Battle  of  Hohenlinden,  Bavaria,  was  fought  Dec.  3,  1800,  between  the  Aus- 
trians  under  Archduke  John  and  the  French  under  General  Moreau.] 


THE    SORROWS  OF    SWITZERLAND. 

Helvetian  vales !  Where  freedom  fix'd  her  sway ; 

And  all  the  social  virtues  lov'd  to  stray ; 

Soft  blissful  seats  of  undisturb'd  repose, 

Rever'd  for  ages  by  contending  foes, 

What  envious  demon,  ranging  to  destroy, 

Has  marr'd  your  sports,  and  clos'd  your  song  of  joy? 

What  horrid  yells  the  affrighted  ear  assail ! 

What  screams  of  terror  load  the  passing  gale ! 

See  ruffian  hordes,  with  tiger  rage  advance, 

The  shame  of  manhood,  and  the  boast  of  France ! 

See  trampled,  crush'd  and  torn  in  lustful  strife 

The  loathing  virgin  and  indignant  wife! 

While  wanton  carnage  sweeps  each  crowded  wood, 

And  all  the  mountain  torrents  swell  with  blood ! 

Lo!  Where  yon  cliff  projects  its  length  of  shade 

O'er  fields  of  death,  a  wounded  chief  is  laid ! 

Around  the  desolated  scene  he  throws 


1/2  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

A  look,  that  speaks  insufferable  woes : 
Then  starting  from  his  trance  of  dumb  despair, 
Thus  vents  his  anguish  to  the  fleeting  air : 
"  Dear  native  hills,  amidst  whose  woodland  maze, 
I  pass'd  the  tranquil  morning  of  my  days, 
On  whose  green  tops  malignant  planets  scowl, 
Where  hell  hounds  ravage,  and  the  furies  howl ; 
Though  chang'd,  deform'd,  still,  still  ye  meet  my  view, 
Ye  still  are  left  to  hear  my  last  adieu ! 
My  friends,  my  children,  gor'd  with  many  a  wound, 
Whose  mangled  bodies  strew  the  ensanguin'd  ground, 
To  parch  and  stiffen  in  the  blaze  of  day, 
Consign'd  to  vultures,  and  to  wolves  a  prey, 
Your  toils  are  past ;  no  more  ye  wake  to  feel 
Lust's  savage  gripe,  or  rapine's  reeking  steel ! 
And  Thou,  to  whom  my  wedded  faith  was  given, 
On  earth  my  solace,  and  my  hope  in  heaven, 
Approv'd  in  manhood,  as  in  youth  ador'd, 
Belov'd  while  living,  as  in  death  deplor'd, 
O  stay  thy  flight !  Around  this  dreary  shore 
A  moment  hover,  and  we  part  no  more — 
On  thy  poor  corpse,  thy  bleeding  husband  hangs, 
Counts  all  thy  wounds,  and  feels  thy  ling'ring  pangs  — 
O  righteous  fathers !  Thou  whose  fostering  care 
Sustains  creation,  hear  my  dying  prayer! 
Look  down,  look  down  on  this  devoted  land, 
O'er  my  poor  country  stretch  thy  saving  hand ! 
O  .let  the  blood  that  streaming  to  the  skies, 
Still  flows  in  torrents — let  that  blood  suffice! 
To  thee  the  dreadful  recompense  belongs  — 
To  thy  just  vengeance  I  consign  my  wrongs ; 
O  vindicate  the  rights  of  nation's  sway, 
And  sweep  the  monsters  from  the  blushing  day! 
Weekly  Inspector,  11-288,  June  27,  1807,  N.  Y. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  1/3 

POETRY. 

Original. 

Gentlemen, 

It  has  been  remarked,  that  the  poetick  department  of  the  Anthology  abounds 
rather  in  selected  than  original  productions;  whether  this  be  the  result  of 
choice  or  necessity,  the  following  lines  will  not  be  considered  inapplicable 
since  they  partake  the  nature  of  both  characters,  and  hence,  if  in  other  re 
spects  worthy  to  appear,  it  is  presumed  they  will  not  be  rejected. 

FROM   THE   RUNIC. 

'  The  power  of  Musick  is  thus  hyperbolically  commemorated  in  one  of  the 
songs  of  the  Runic  Bards.'  * 

I  know  a  Song,  by  which  I  soften  and  enchant  the  arms  of  my 
enemies,  and  render  their  weapons  of  no  effect. 

I  know  a  Song-,  which  I  need  only  to  sing  when  men  have  loaded 
me  with  bonds,  for  the  moment  I  sing  it,  my  chains  fall  in  pieces,  and 
I  walk  forth  at  liberty. 

I  know  a  Song,  useful  to  all  mankind,  for  as  soon  as  hatred  in 
flames  the  sons  of  men,  the  moment  I  sing  it  they  are  appeased. 

I  know  a  Song  of  such  virtue,  that  were  I  caught  in  a  storm,  I  can 
hush  the  winds  and  render  the  air  perfectly  calm. 

*  See  Godwin's  Life  of  Chaucer. 

Mo.  Anthology,  IV- 602,  Nov.  1807,  Boston. 


THE    SONG   OF    A    RUNIC    BARD 

Imitated  in  English  verse. 

I. 

I  know  a  Song,  the  magick  of  whose  power 
Can  save  the  Warrior  in  destruction's  hour ; 
From  the  fierce  foe  his  falling  vengeance  charm, 
And  wrest  the  weapon  from  his  nervous  arm. 

II. 

I  know  a  Song,  which,  when  in  bonds  I  lay, 
Broke  from  the  grinding  chain  its  links  away. 


1/4  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

While  the  sweet  notes  their  swelling  numbers  rolled, 
Back  flew  the  bolts,  the  trembling  gates  unfold  ; 
Free  as  the  breeze  the  elastic  limbs  advance, 
Course  the  far  field,  or  braid  the  enlivening  dance. 

III. 

I  know  a  Song,  to  mend  the  heart  design'd, 
Quenching  the  fiery  passions  of  mankind ; 
When  lurking  hate  and  deadly  rage  combine, 
To  charm  the  serpent  of  revenge  is  mine ; 
By  heavenly  verse  the  furious  deed  restrain, 
And  bid  the  lost  affections  live  again. 

IV. 

I  know  a  Song,  which  when  the  wild  winds  blow 
To  bend  the  monarchs  of  the  forests  low, 
If  to  the  lay  my  warbling  voice  incline, 
Waking  its  various  tones  with  skill  divine, 
Hush'd  are  the  gales,  the  spirit  of  the  storm 
Calms  his  bleak  breath,  and  smooths  his  furrow'd  form, 
The  day  looks  up,  the  dripping  hills  serene 
Through  the  faint  clouds  exalt  their  sparkling  green. 

CAMBRIA. 
Mo.  Anthology,  IV-6o2,  Nov.  1807,  Boston. 


THE    SQUEAKING    GHOST. 

A  tale  imitated  from  the  German,  according  to  the  true  and  genuine  prin 
ciples  of  the  horrifick. 

The  wind  whistled  loud !  farmer  Dobbin's  wheat  stack 
Fell  down!   The  rain  beat  'gainst  his  door! 
As  he  sat  by  the  fire  he  heard  the  roof  crack ! 
The  cat  'gan  to  mew  and  to  put  up  her  back ! 

And  the  candle  burnt — just  as  before! 
The  farmer  exclaimed  with  a  piteous  sigh, 

"  To  get  rid  of  this  curs'd  noise  and  rout, 
"  Wife  gi'e  us  some  ale."     His  dame  straight  did  cry, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  175 

Hemed  and  coughed  three  times  three,  then  made  this  reply — 

"  I  can't  mun !  Why  ?  'cause  the  cask's  out ! 
By  the  side  of  the  fire  sat  Roger  Gee-ho 

Who  had  finished  his  daily  vocation, 
With  Cicely,  whose  eyes  were  as  black  as  a  Sloe, 
A  damsel  indeed  who  had  never  said  No, 

And  because  she  ne'er  had  an  occasion! 
All  these  were  alarmed  by  the  loud  piercing  cries, 

And  were  thrown  in  a  terrible  state, 
Till  open  the  door,  with  wide  staring  eyes, 
They  found  to  their  joy,  no  less  than  surprise, 

"  'Twos  the  old  sow  fast  stuck  in  a  gate!" 
Charms  of  Lit.  in  Prose  and  Verse,  p.  350,  1808,  Trenton. 


THE    DESCENT    OF   ODIN. 

Port  Folio,  V-406,  June  25,  1808,  Phila. 

[In  a  review  of  Odes  from  the  Norse  and  Welch  Tongues  by  Thomas 
Gray. 

Also  in  New  Haven  Gas.  and  Conn.  Mag.,  Ill -No.  21,  May  29,  1788,  New 
Haven.] 


THE    DESCENT   OF   ODIN. 

Port  Folio,  VI -55,  57,  July  23,  1808,  Phila. 

[Thomas  Gray,  idem.    A  literal  trans.;  not  the  same  as  the  above.    Criti 
cism  and  reprint.] 


THE    WANDERER    OF    SWITZERLAND. 

By  JAMES  MONTGOMERY. 

Gleaner,  1-78  etc.,  Oct.  1808,  Lancaster  (Penn.). 
[James  Montgomery,  op.  cit.     Entire  poem  reprinted.     Cf.  Preface.] 


176        TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  following  imitation  of  the  celebrated  Swiss  air  "  Ran  des  Vaches,"  in 
which  there  is  great  simplicity  and  sweetness,  is  from  the  pen  of  the  Editor 
of  the  Sheffield  Iris,  author  of  the  Wanderer  of  Switzerland. 

THE    SONG    OF    THE    SWISS    IN    A 
STRANGE    LAND. 

O  when  shall  I  visit  the  land  of  my  birth, 
The  loveliest  land  on  the  face  of  the  earth  ? 
When  shall  I  those  scenes  of  affection  explore, 

Our  forests,  our  fountains, 

Our  hamlets,  our  mountains, 

With  the  pride  of  our  mountains,  the  maid  I  adore  ? 
O  when  shall  I  dance  on  the  daisy  white  mead, 
In  the  shade  of  an  elm,  to  the  sound  of  the  reed? 

When  shall  I  return  to  thy  lowly  retreat, 
Where  all  my  fond  objects  of  tenderness  meet? 
The  lambs  and  the  heifers  that  follow  my  call ; 
My  father,  my  mother, 
My  sister,  my  brother, 
And  dear  Isabella,  the  joy  of  them  all? 
O  when  shall  I  visit  the  land  of  my  birth  ? 
'Tis  the  loveliest  land  on  the  face  of  the  earth. 

-J.M. 

SHEFFIELD,  June  1808. 
Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston. 

[Ram  des  Vaches. 

James  Montgomery,  The  West  Indies  and  Other  Poems,  3rd.  ed.,  Phila., 
1811  (London,  1810). 

P.  84,  The  Swiss  Cowherd's  Song,  in  a  Foreign  Land.  "  Imitated  from  the 
foregoing,"  i.  e.,  the  French  verses.] 


THE    SONG    OF    THE    SWISS,    IN 
STRANGE   LAND 

Lit.  Mirror,  1-148,  Oct.  29,  1808,  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 
[Also  in  Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  177 

THE    SONG    OF    THE    SWISS    IN    A 
STRANGE    LAND. 

Balance  and  Columbian  Rcpos.,  VII -176,  Nov.  i,  1808,  Hudson,  N.  Y. 
[Also  in  Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston.] 


SONG  OF  THE  SWISS  IN  A  STRANGE  LAND. 

Norfolk  Repos.,  Ill -392,  Nov.  8,  1808,  Dedham,  Mass. 
[Also  in  Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston.] 


THE    SONG    OF    THE    SWISS,    IN    A 
STRANGE    LAND. 

By  the  Author  of  "The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland." 
Lady's  Weekly  Misc.,  VIII -128,  Dec.  17,  1808,  N.  Y. 
[Also  in  Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston.] 


APPOINTMENT    DISAPPOINTED! 

OR, 
VON    SCHLEMMER,    AND    "POT    LUCK." 

An  Englishman  invited  once 

A  German  friend  to  dine 
On  plain  pot  luck, —  for  such  his  phrase  — 

And  drink  some  good  port  wine. 

Mein  Herr  repaired  at  proper  time 

With  stomach  for  the  treat: 
The  viands  on  the  table  placed, 

Von  Schlemmer  took  his  seat. 

Soup,  turkey,  beef,  by  turns  were  serv'd, 

Mein  Herr  declin'd  each  one : 
12 


78  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Fowls,  turtle,  sauce,  they  follow'd  next, 
Von  Schlemmer  tasted  none. 

His  host,  at  length,  by  kindness  urged, 

Press'd  him  to  taste  some  duck : 
"  Ach  nein !"  with  groans  Von  Schlemmer  said, 
"  I  vait  for  de  POT  LUCK." 

—  Quiz. 
Select  Reviews,  I -71,  Jan.  1809,  Phila. 


On  singing  to  a  piano  with  a  friend,  the  pathetic  ballad  of  Mozart's 
"Vergiss  me  nicht,"*  a  few  days  previous  to  quitting  my  native 
country. 

"  Forget  me  not,"  nor  yet  the  song, 

Its  plaintive  notes  our  tears  beguiling, 
The  fatal  words  died  on  my  tongue, 
And  as  you  touch'd  the  trembling  keys  along, 

Through  lucid  gems  I  saw  you  sadly  smiling. 

"  Forget  me  not,"  ah !   song  of  wo ! 

For  never  more  our  joys  uniting, 
With  Sorrow's  sigh  no  more  to  glow ; 
No  more  shall  Pity's  tear  together  flow, 

Our  love,  our  hopes,  our  joys  forever  blighting. 

"  Forget  me  not,"  oh !   ever  dear, 

Let  thrilling  mem'ry  o'er  my  fancy  stealing, 
As  next  you  sing  "  Forget  me  not,"  a  tear 
Shall  gently  fall,  my  beating  heart  to  cheer ; 

I'll  never  thee  forget  while  I  have  life  and  feeling. 

Julia  Francesca. 
Port  Folio,  VII  (n.  s.  I) -272,  Mar.  1809,  Phila. 


*  The  German  of  "  Forget  me  not." 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  179 

THE    SOLDIER    OF    THE    ALPS. 

In  the  vallies  yet  lingered  the  shadows  of  night, 
Though  red  on  the  glaciers  the  morning  sun  shone, 

When  our  moss-covered  church-tower  first  broke  on  my  sight, 
As  I  cross'd  the  vast  oak  o'er  the  cataract  thrown. 

For  beyond  that  old  church-tower,  embosomed  in  pines, 
Was  the  spot  which  contained  all  th'e  bliss  of  my  life, 

Near  yon  grey  granite  rock,  where  the  red  ash  reclines, 
Stood  the  cottage  where  dwelt  my  loved  children  and  wife. 

Long  since  did  the  blasts  of  the  war-trumpet  cease, 
The  drum  slept  in  silence,  the  colours  were  furled, 

Serene  over  France  rose  the  day-star  of  Peace, 

And  the  beams  of  its  splendour  gave  light  to  the  world. 

When  near  to  the  land  of  my  fathers  I  drew, 

And  the  drawn  light  her  features  of  grandeur  unveiled, 

As  I  caught  the  first  glimpse  of  her  ice-mountains  blue, 
Our  old  native  Alps  with  what  rapture  I  hailed. 

"  Oh !  soon,  I  exclaimed,  will  those  mountains  be  passed, 

And  soon  shall  I  stop  at  my  own  cottage  door, 
There  my  children's  caresses  will  greet  me  at  last, 

And  the  arms  of  my  wife  will  enfold  me  once  more. 

"  While  the  fulness  of  joy  leaves  me  powerless  to  speak, 

Emotions  which  language  can  never  define, 
When  her  sweet  tears  of  transport  drop  warm  on  my  cheek, 

And  I  feel  her  fond  heart  beat  once  more  against  mine. 

"  Then  my  boy,  when  our  tumults  of  rapture  subside, 

Will  anxiously  ask  how  our  soldiers  have  sped, 
Will  flourish  my  bay'net  with  infantile  pride, 

And  exultingly  place  my  plumed  cap  on  his  head. 

"  Then  my  sweet  girl  will  boast  how  her  chamois  has  grown ; 

And  make  him  repeat  all  his  antics  with  glee, 
Then  she'll  haste  to  the  vine  that  she  claims  as  her  own, 

And  fondly  select  its  ripe  clusters  for  me. 


l8o       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

"  And  when  round  our  fire  we  assemble  at  night, 
With  what  interest  they'll  list  to  my  tale  of  the  war, 

How  our  shining  arms  gleamed  on  St.  Bernard's  vast  height, 
While  the  clouds  in  white  billows  rolled  under  us  far. 

"  Then  I'll  tell  how  the  legions  of  Austria  we  braved, 
How  we  fought  on  Marengo's  victorious  day, 

When  the  colours  of  conquest  dejectedly  wave 

Where  streamed  the  last  blood  of  the  gallant  Dessaix." 

'Twas  thus  in  fond  fancy  my  bosom  beat  light 

As  I  crossed  the  rude  bridge  where  the  wild  waters  roll, 

When  each  well-known  scene  crowded  fast  on  my  sight, 
And  Hope's  glowing  visions  came  warm  to  my  soul. 

Through  the  pine-grove  I  hastened  with  footsteps  of  air 

Already  my  lov'd  ones  I  felt  in  embrace, 
When  I  came — of  my  cot  not  a  vestige  was  there — 

But  a  hilloc  of  snow  was  heap'd  high  in  its  place. 

The  heart-rending  story  too  soon  did  I  hear  — 

An  avalanche,  loosed  from  the  near  mountain's  side, 

Our  cottage  o'erwhelmed  in  its  thundering  career, 
And  beneath  it  my  wife  and  my  children  had  died. 

—  IMOGEN. 

Port  Folio,  VII  (n.  s.  I)~350,  Apr.  1809,  Phila. 


BATTLE    OF    HOHENLINDEN 

By  THOMAS  CAMPBELL,  Esq. 

Visitor,  1-47,  Apr.  22,  1809,  Richmond. 

[Also  in  Weekly  Inspector,  11-272,  June  20,  1807,  N.  Y.] 

COW   BOY'S   CHAUNT. 

Sweet,  regretted,  native  shore; 
Shall  I  e'er  behold  thee  more, 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  l8l 

And  all  the  objects  of  my  love : 

Thy  streams  so  clear, 

Thy  hills  so  dear, 

The  mountain's  brow, 

And  cots  below, 
Where  once  my  feet  were  wont  to  rove? 

There  with  Isabella  fair, 
Light  of  foot,  and  free  from  care, 

Shall  I  to  the  tabor  bound  ? 
Or  at  eve,  beneath  the  dale, 
Whisper  soft  my  artless  tale, 

And  blissful  tread  on  fairy  ground  ? 

Oh !  when  shall  I  behold  again 
My  lowly  cot  and  native  plain, 

And  every  object  dear ; 
My  father,  and  my  mother, 
My  sister  and  my  brother, 

And  calm  their  anxious  fear. 

(European  Mag.) 

[The  above  is  preceded  by  the  music  and  the  French  words  of  the  Ram 
des  Vaches.    Cf.  p.  156.] 

Visitor,  1-72,  June  3,  1809,  Richmond. 


THE    SONG   OF    THE    SWISS,    IN    A 
STRANGE    LAND. 

Gleaner,  1-471,  June  1809,  Lancaster  (Penn.). 

[Also  in  Emerald,  n.  s.,  1-624,  Oct.  15,  1808,  Boston.] 


CHARLOTTE  AT  THE  TOMB  OF  WERTER 

With  sorrow  of  heart  I  draw  near, 
The  tomb  where  my  Werter's  at  rest, 

Soft  pity  oh,  give  me  a  tear 

I  will  lighten  the  woes  of  my  breast. 


lS2  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Sleep  on  them  dear  shade,  rest  in  peace, 
Undisturbed  by  the  woes  of  my  breast, 

For  sure  the  soft  slumber  would  cease 
If  with  grief  you  know  me  opprest. 

The  meadow,  the  valley,  the  field, 
Recesses  that  once  gave  delight, 

Alas  now  how  changed !  for  they  yield 
Nothing  gayful  or  joyous  to  sight. 

On  the  terrace  I  often  remain, 

And  the  loss  of  my  Werter  deplore, 

While  by  the  pale  moon  I  complain, 
Her  beams,  his  loved  image  restore. 

It  was  here  the  fond  hope  was  inspired, 
That  with  gladness  enlivens  my  heart 

That  when  this  dull  life  is  expired 
We  shall  meet  again  never  to  part. 

Yes,  Werter,  thy  presage  was  just; 

To  cherish  the  hope  be  my  care, 

For  should  it  forsake  me,  how  must 

I  combat  with  grief  and  despair. 

—A. 
Visitor,  1-136,  Sept.  23,  1809,  Richmond. 


THE    SQUEAKING    GHOST. 

A  tale  imitated  from  the  German. 

Select  Reviews,  II- 357,  Nov.  1809,  Phila. 

[Also  in  Charms  of  Lit.  in  Prose  and  Verse,  p.  350,  1808,  Trenton.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  183 

To  those  who  have  admired  the  singular  pcems  of  Lewis,  Walter  Scott,  and 
others,  under  the  whimsical  titles  of  "The  Cloud-King,"  "The  Fire-King," 
etc.,  the  following  burlesque  ballad  may  afford  some  amusement. 

THE    PAINT-KING. 

Fair  Ellen  was  once  the  delight  of  the  young; 

No  damsel  could  with  her  compare; 
Her  charms  were  the  theme  of  the  heart  and  the  tongue, 
And  bards  without  number  in  extacies  sung 

The  beauties  of  Ellen,  the  Fair. 

But  Ellen,  though  lovers  in  regiments  threw 

The  darts  of  their  eyes  at  her  heart, 
From  the  sorrow  no  pitying  sympathy  knew ; 
For,  cold  as  an  icicle-shower,  they  drew 

Not  a  drop  from  that  petrified  part. 

Yet  still  did  the  heart  of  fair  Ellen  implore 

A  something  that  could  not  be  found ; 
Like  a  sailor  it  seem'd  on  a  desolate  shore, 
With  nor  house,  nor  a  tree,  nor  a  sound,  but  the  roar 

Of  breakers  high-dashing  around. 

From  object  to  object,  still,  still  would  she  stray 

Yet  nothing,  alas !  could  she  find  ; 
Through  Novelty's  mazes  she  rambled  all  day, 
And  even  at  midnight,  so  restless,  they  say, 

In  sleep  would  run  after  the  wind. 

Nay,  rather  than  sit  like  a  statue  so  still, 

When  the  rain  made  her  mansion  a  pound, 
Up  and  down  would  she  go  like  the  sails  of  a  mill, 
And  pat  every  stair,  like  a  wood-pecker's  bill, 

From  the  tiles  of  the  roof  to  the  ground. 

One  morn,  as  the  maid  from  her  casement  reclin'd, 

Pass'd  a  youth  with  a  frame  in  his  hand. 
The  casement  she  clos'd  ;  not  the  eye  of  her  mind  ; 
For  do  all  she  could,  no,  she  could  not  be  blind  ; 

Still  before  her  she  saw  the  youth  stand. 


1 84  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

"  And  what  can  he  do,"  said  the  maid  with  a  sigh, 

"  Ah !  what  with  that  frame  can  he  do? 
I  wish  I  could  know  it."     When  suddenly  by 
The  youth  pass'd  again ;  and  again  did  her  eye 
The  frame,  and  a  sweet  picture  view. 

"  Oh !  sweet,  lovely  picture !"  the  fair  Ellen  sigh'd, 

I  must  see  thee  again  or  I  die ;" 
Then  under  her  white  chin  her  bonnet  she  tied, 
And  after  the  youth  and  the  picture  she  hied, 

Till  the  youth,  looking  back,  met  her  eye. 

"Fair  damsel,"  said  he  (and  he  chuckled  the  while), 

"  This  picture,  I  see,  you  admire ; 
Then  take  it,  I  beg  you,  perhaps  'twill  beguile 
Some  moments  of  sorrow :  (pray  pardon  my  smile) 

Or,  at  least,  keep  you  home  by  the  fire." 

Then  Ellen  the  gift,  with  delight  and  surprise, 

From  the  cunning  young  stripling  receiv'd. 
But  she  knew  not  the  poison  that  enter'd  her  eyes, 
When  beaming  with  rapture  they  gazed  on  her  prize : 
Yet  thus  was  fair  Ellen  deceiv'd ! 

'Twas  a  youth  o'er  the  form  of  a  statue  inclin'd ; 

And  the  sculptor  he  seem'd  of  the  stone ; 
Yet  he  languish'd,  as  though  for  its  beauty  he  pin'd, 
And  gaz'd,  as  the  eyes  of  the  statue  so  blind 

Reflected  the  beams  of  his  own. 

'Twas  the  tale  of  the  sculptor,  Pygmalion  of  old; 

Fair  Ellen  remember'd  and  sigh'd, 
"  Ah !  could'st  thou  but  lift  from  that  marble  so  cold, 
Thine  eyes  so  enchanting,  thy  arms  should  enfold, 

And  press  me  this  day  as  thy  bride." 

She  said :  when,  behold,  from  the  canvass  arose 

The  youth  .  .  .  and  he  stepp'd  from  the  frame ; 
With  a  furious  joy,  his  arms  did  enclose 
The  love-plighted  Ellen ;  and,  clasping,  he  froze 
The  blood  of  the  maid  with  his  flame ! 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  185 

She  turrvd  and  beheld  on  each  shoulder  a  wing 

"  Oh !  heaven !"  cried  she,  "  who  art  thou  ?" 
From  the  roof  to  the  ground  did  his  fierce  answer  ring, 
When  frowning,  he  thunder'd,  "  I  am  the  Paint-King ! 

And  mine,  lovely  maid,  thou  art  now !" 

Then  high  from  the  ground  did  the  grim  monster  lift 

The  loud-screaming  maid,  like  a  blast ; 
And  he  sped  through  the  air,  like  a  meteor  swift, 
While  the  clouds,  wand'ring  by  him,  did  fearfully  drift 

To  the  right  and  the  left  as  he  pass'd. 

Now,  suddenly  sloping  his  hurricane  flight, 

With  an  eddying  whirl  he  descends ; 
The  air  all  below  him  becomes  black  as  night, 
And  the  ground  where  he  treads,  as  if  mov'd  with  affright, 

Like  the  surge  of  the  Caspian  bends. 

"  I  am  here !"  said  the  fiend,  and  he  thundering  knock'd 

At  the  gates  of  a  mountainous  cave : 
The  gates  open'd  wide,  as  by  magick  unlock'd, 
While  the  peaks  of  the  mount,  reeling  to  and  fro,  rock'd, 

Like  an  island  of  ice  on  the  wave. 

"  Oh !   mercy !"   cried  Ellen,  and  swoon'd  in  his  arms. 

But  the  Paint-King,  he  scoff  d  at  her  pain. 
"  Prithee,  love,"  said  the  monster,  "  what  mean  these  alarms  ?" 
She  hears  not,  she  sees  not  the  terrible  charms 

That  wake  her  to  horror  again. 

She  opens  her  lids ;  but  no  longer  her  eyes 

Behold  the  fair  youth  she  would  woo: 
Now  appears  the  Paint-King  in  his  natural  guise ; 
His  face,  like  a  palette  of  villainous  dies, 

Black  and  white,  red  and  yellow,  and  blue. 

On  a  bright  polish'd  throne,  of  prismatical*  spar, 
Sat  the  mosaick  fiend  like  a  clod ; 


*  This  being  a  free  country,  I  have  taken  the  liberty,  for  the  sake  of  the 
metre,  to  alter  the  word  prismatick,  as  above! 


1 86       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

While  he  rear'd  in  his  mouth  a  gigantick  cigar 
Twice  as  big  as  the  light-house,  though  seen  from  afar, 
On  the  coast  of  the  stormy  Cape  Cod. 

And  anon,  as  he  puff'd  the  vast  volumes,  were  seen, 

In  horrid  festoons  on  the  wall, 

Legs  and  arms,  head  and  bodies,  emerging  between ; 
Like  the  drawing  room  grim  of  the  Scotch  Sawney  Beane, 

By  the  Devil  dress'd  out  for  a  ball. 

"  Ah  me !"   cried  the  damsel,  and  fell  at  his  feet, 

"  Must  I  hang  on  these  walls  to  be  dried  ?" 
"  Oh,  no !"  said  the  fiend,  while  he  sprung  from  his  seat, 
"  A  far  nobler  fortune  thy  person  shall  meet ; 
Into  paint  will  I  grind  thee,  my  bride !" 

Then,  seizing  the  maid  by  her  dark  auburn  hair, 

An  oil- jug  he  plung'd  her  within. 
Seven  days,  seven  nights,  with  the  shrieks  of  despair 
Did  Ellen  in  torment  convulse  the  dim  air, 

All  cover'd  with  oil  to  the  chin. 

On  the  morn  of  the  eighth  on  a  huge  sable  stone 

Then  Ellen,  all  reeking,  he  laid ; 
With  a  rock  for  his  muller,  he  crush'd  every  bone ; 
But  though  ground  to  jelly,  still,  still  did  she  groan ; 

For  life  had  forsook  not  the  maid. 

Now  reaching  his  palette  with  masterly  care, 

Each  tint  on  the  surface  he  spread ; 
The  blue  of  her  eyes,  and  the  brown  of  her  hair, 
The  pearl  and  the  white  of  her  forehead  so  fair 

And  her  lips'  and  her  cheeks'  rosy  red. 

Then  stamping  his  foot,  did  the  monster  exclaim, 

"  Now  I  brave,  cruel  Fairy,  thy  scorn !" 
When  lo !   from  a  chasm  unfathom'd  there  came 
A  small  tiny  chariot  of  rose-colour'd  flame, 

By  a  team  of  ten  glowworms  upborne. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  187 

Enthron'd  in  the  midst  on  an  emerald  bright, 

Fair  Geraldine  sat  without  peer ; 
Her  robe  was  the  gleam  of  the  first  blush  of  light, 
And  her  mantle  the  fleece  of  a  noon-cloud  white, 

And  a  beam  of  the  moon  was  her  spear. 

In  a  voice  that  stole  on  the  still  charmed  air, 

Like  the  first  gentle  accent  of  Eve, 
Thus  spake  from  her  chariot  the  Fairy  so  fair : 
"  I  come  at  thy  call  .  .  .  but,  oh  Paint-King!  beware, 

Beware  if  again  you  deceive." 

"  'Tis  true,"  said  the  monster,  "  thou  queen  of  my  heart ! 

Thy  portrait  I  oft  have  essay 'd ; 
Yet  ne'er  to  the  canvass  could  I  with  my  art 
The  least  of  thy  wonderful  beauties  impart ; 

And  my  failure  with  scorn  you  repaid. 

"  Now  I  swear,  by  the  light  of  the  Comet-King's  tail !" 

And  he  tower'd  with  pride  as  he  spoke, 
"  If  again  with  these  magical  colours  I  fail, 
The  crater  of  Etna  shall  hence  be  my  jail, 

And  my  food  shall  be  sulphur  and  smoke. 

"  But  if  I  succeed,  then,  oh !  fair  Geraldine ! 

Thy  promise  with  rapture,  I  claim, 
And  thou,  queen  of  Fairies,  shalt  ever  be  mine 
The  bride  of  my  bed  ;  and  thy  portrait  divine 

Shall  fill  all  the  earth  with  my  fame." 

He  spake ;  when,  behold  the  fair  Geraldine's  form 

On  the  canvass  enchantingly  glow'd  ; 
His  touches,  they  flew  like  the  leaves  in  a  storm ; 
And  the  pure,  pearly  white,  and  the  carnation  warm, 

Contending  in  harmony,  flow'd. 

And  now  did  the  portrait  a  twin-sister  seem 

To  the  figure  of  Geraldine  fair : 
With  the  same  sweet  expression  did  faithfully  teem 
Each  muscle,  each  feature  ;  in  short,  not  a  gleam 

Was  lost  of  her  beautiful  hair. 


1 88       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

'Twas  the  Fairy  herself !  but,  alas !  her  blue  yes 

Still  a  pupil  did  ruefully  lack ; 
And  who  shall  describe  the  terrifick  surprise 
That  seized  the  Paint-King,  when,  behold,  he  descries 

Not  a  speck  on  his  palette  of  black. 

"  I  am  lost !"  said  the  fiend,  and  he  shook  like  a  leaf ; 

When,  casting  his  eyes  to  the  ground, 
He  saw  the  lost  pupils  of  Ellen  with  grief 
In  the  jaws  of  a  mouse,  and  the  sly  little  thief 

Whisk  away  from  his  sight  with  a  bound. 

"  I  am  lost !"  said  the  fiend,  and  he  fell  like  a  stone : 

Then  rising  the  Fairy  in  ire, 
With  a  touch  of  her  figer  she  loosen'd  her  zone, 
(While  the  limbs  on  the  wall  gave  a  terrible  groan!) 

And  she  swell'd  to  a  column  of  fire. 

Her  spear  now  a  thunder-bolt  flash'd  in  the  air, 

And  sulphur  the  vault  fill'd  around : 
She  smote  the  grim  monster ;  and  now  by  the  hair 
High  lifting,  she  hurl'd  him  in  speechless  despair 
Down  the  depths  of  the  chasm  profound. 

Then  waving,  with  smiles,  o'er  the  picture  her  spear, 

"  Come  forth !"  said  the  good  Geraldine ; 
When,  behold,  from  the  canvass  fair  Ellen  appear ! 
In  feature,  in  person  more  lovely  than  e'er, 

With  grace  more  than  ever  divine! 
Mo.  Anthology,  VII -391,  Dec.  1809,  Boston. 
[Washington  Allston,  idem.    Cf.  pp.  18,  19.] 


THE    SQUEAKING    GHOST. 

A  tale  imitated  from  the  German. 

Boston  Mirror,  II -96,  Jan.  6,  1810,  Boston. 

[Also  in  Charms  of  Lit,  in  Prose  and  Verse,  p.  350,  1808,  Trenton.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  189 

THE    PAINT    KING. 


Something,  I -151,  Jan.  20,  1810,  Boston. 

[Also  in  Mo.  Anthology,  VII -391,  Dec.  1809,  Boston.] 


IV 

LIST    OF    TRANSLATIONS    OF    GERMAN 

PROSE,    AND    LIST    OF    ARTICLES 

ON   THE  GERMAN   COUNTRIES 


Many  references  to  Germany,  Austria,  Switzerland,  Holland,  etc.,  are  to  be 
found  in  the  news  sections  of  the  magazines,  but  they  are  too  numerous  and 
too  brief  to  be  noted  in  the  following  list. 

The  General  Mag.  &  Hist.  Chronicle  for  all  the  British  Plantations  in 

America.— B.  Franklin,  Phila. 
I— Jan. -June,  1741 
News  from  Germany. 

Amer.  Mag.  &  Hist.  Chronicle.— Boston. 
I— Sept.  1743 -Dec.  1744 
499— A   Description  of  the   City  of  Hamburg,  with  several   observations 

on  the  Hamburghers,  and  other  Germans,  &c. 
H-I745 

373— Ld.     P 1's   Speech,  upon  the  Report  of  the   Hanoverian  Troops, 

1744- 

492 — The  Dutch  method  of  manning  fleets. 
III-I746. 

311 — Description  of  the  City  of  Antwerp. 
406— King  of  Prussia — his  character. 

[Foreign  affairs— many  paragraphs  on  Vienna,  Hague,  Utrecht,  Stockholm 
in  Sweden,  Denmark,  etc.] 

Independent  Reflector.— N.  Y. 

Nos.  1-52.    Nov.  30,  i752-Nov.  22,  1753. 

21 — A    Vindication    of    the    Moravians,    against    the    aspersions    of    their 
enemies. 

Amer.  Mag.  &  Mo.  Chronicle.— Phila. 
I— Oct.  1757- Oct.  1758. 

136— Character  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

[Many  paragraphs  giving  news  of  Germany.] 
191 


192       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  New  Amer.  Mag.— Woodbridge  in  N.  J. 
Nos.  XIII -XXIV,  1759. 
418— The  following  remarkable  curiosities  of  Denmark  are  inserted  as  an 

agreeable  amusement. 

462— On  a  very  useful  custom  established  in  Holland;  from  the  French  of 
Voltaire. 

The  Royal  Amer.  Mag.— Boston. 
Jan. -Dec.  1774- 

416— An  account  of  a  topical  Remedy  for  the  cure  of  ulcerated  Cancer.  By 
M.  I.  Soultzer,  first  Physician  to  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Saxe 
Gotha. 

Penna.  Mag.— Phila. 
I-I77S- 

471— The  Law  of  Liberty;  a  Sermon  on  American  affairs,  preached  at  the 
opening  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Georgia.    With  an  appendix  giv 
ing  a  concise  account  of  the  struggles  of  Swisserland,  to  recover  their 
Liberty.    By  John  J.  Zubly,  D.D.     (Select  passages  from  new   British 
Publications.) 
II— Jan. -June,  1776. 
63 — Some  account  of  the  Lives  of  Eminent  Persons. — Gustavus  Adolphus, 

King  of  Sweden. 
169 — Extraordinary  Heroism  of  the  ancient  Scandinavians. 

The  U.  S.  Mag.- Phila. 
I-I779- 

136— Origin  of  the  Debate  between  the  King  of  Prussia  and  the  Emperor 

of  Germany.    Trans,  from  the  Journal  Historique  &  Politique. 
186 — Particulars  relative  to  the  debate  between  the  Emperor  and  Prussia. 
472— Thoughts  on  the  necessity  of  War.    Trans,  from  the  German. 
474— Singular  Adventures  of  a  German  Princess,  consort  of  Alexis,  the 
unfortunate  son  of  the  Czar  Peter  the  Great.    By  Crito. 

The  Boston  Mag. — Boston. 
I— Oct.  1783 -Dec.  1784. 

55— Description   (with  an  elegant  engraving)    of  the  celebrated  tomb  of 
Madame  Langhans,  executed  by  Mr.  John  Augustus  Nahl,  late  sculptor 
to  the  King  of  Prussia,  and  which  is  to  be  seen  in  the  choir  of  the  parish 
church  of  Hindlebanck  2  leagues  from  Berne,  [Prose  article  containing  a 
trans,  of  a  German  poem  from  Haller.    Cf.  p.  21.] 
545— An  account  of  the  commencement  of  the  Liberty  of  Switzerland. 
III-I786. 
72,  65,  66,  67 — New  description  of  Zurich  in  Switzerland. 

[In  a  letter  from  an  English  gentleman  to  his  friend.  Pages  of  vol.  Ill  are 
misnumbered  after  p.  72.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  193 

The  Worcester  Mag.— Worcester  (Mass.). 

I— First  week  in  Apr.— third  week  in  Aug.  1786. 

140 — Treaty  of  Commerce  between  the  U.  S.  and  the  King  of  Prussia. 
235— Droll  adventure  of  a  Silesian  priest,  related  in  the  King  of  Prussia's 

Campaigns. 
Ill — First  week  in  Apr. — 2nd  week  in  Aug.  1787. 

5 — On  the  Dutch  Loan.     From  a  late  N.  Y.  paper. 
IV.— First  week  in  Oct.  1787— 4th  week  in  Mar.  1788. 
121  —  Emperour  of  Germany's  Prayer.     A  small  work  has  lately  appeared 
in  Germany  under  the  title  of  "Joseph  Gebetbux  "  [sic],  (the  Emperour's 
Prayer  Book)   from  which  the  following  is  extracted. 

Columbian  Mag.— Phila. 
I-Sept.  1786- Dec.  1787. 

442 — Anecdote  of  the  Siege  of  Leyden. 
11-1788. 
31— A  genuine  Letter  from  a  Member  of  the  Society  called  Dunkards  to  a 

Lady  of  the  Penn  Family,  with  her  Answer. 
40— A  remarkable  Hermitage.    From  Keysler's  Travels. 
323— Account  of  a  very  extraordinary  Eruption  of  Fire  in  Iceland,  in  1783. 
621 — Account  of  the  great  Revolution  in  Denmark,  in  the  year  1660. 
688— Observations  made  in  a  Tour  in  Swisserland,  in  1786,  by  Monsieur  De 

Lazowski. 
111-1789. 
38 — Anecdote   extracted   from   "  The   Life   of  Frederic   III   late   King  of 

Prussia,"  published  at  Paris  and  Strassburg  in  the  summer  of  1788,  and 

now  translating  in  Philadelphia. 

548— Anecdotes— of  Frederick  the  Great,  King  of  Prussia. 
IV — Jan. -June  1790. 
26 — An  Allegory  on  the  Dispute  respecting  Precedency  between  the  Belles 

Lettres  and  the  Fine  Arts.    By  Mr.  Klopstock.    Trans,  from  the  German. 
32— Extracts  from  an  Essay  on  the  Form  of  Government,  and  the  Duties 

of  Kings.     By  the  late  King  of  Prussia.     Sent,  in  1781,  to  his  Secretary 

of  State,  de  Hertsberg;  but  written  in  1776,  or  1777,  as  appears  from 

his  Letters  to  Voltaire. 
169,  205,  365— Extracts  from  the  correspondence  of  the  present  King  of 

Sweden  when  a  young  man,  with  the  superintendents  of  his  education. 
V— July -Dec.  1790. 

156 — An  Account  of  Miss  D.  Schlozer,  a  celebrated  learned  lady,  in  the 

Electorate  of  Hanover,  who  was  thought  worthy  of  the  highest  academ 
ical  honours  in  the  University  of  Gottengen,  at  the  Grand  Jubilee,  in  the 

year  1787. 

249— On  the  Utility  of  Frost-Conductors.    From  a  late  German  magazine. 
319 — On  the  Modern  Manners  in  Germany. 
362 — Letter  of  the  King  of  Sweden.     [Con.  from  IV.] 

13 


194       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

Universal  Asylum  and  Columbian  Mag.— Phila. 

I — Jan. -June  1791. 
46 — A    Tour    in    Holland,    in    1784.     By    an    American.      (Thin  Octavo. 

Printed  in  Boston.) 
134— Extract  from  the  correspondence  of  the  present  King  of  Sweden,  etc. 

[Con.  from  V  of  Columbian  Mag.] 
400— Anecdotes— II.  Of  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
II— July -Dec.  1791. 
23 — Observations   on   the   Cretins,   or   Idiots,   of  the   Pais  de  Vallais,   in 

Switzerland.    By  Sir  Richard  Clayton. 

174 — Extraordinary    account   of   certain    Hot    Springs    in    the    Island    of 
Amsterdam.     (From   Mortimer's   Observations,   during   a   voyage   from 
Canton  to  the  northwest  coast  of  America  and  back  to  Canton.) 
378 — Anecdote  of  the  Czar  Peter  of  Russia.    Trans,  from  the  French  of 

Frederick  II  of  Prussia. 
I — Jan. -June  1792. 
233— An  Account  of  the  National  Character,  Manners  and  Customs  of  the 

Swedes.     (From  Catteau's  "General  view  of  Sweden.") 
II— July -Dec.  1792. 

177 — The  Furies,  a  Fable.    From  the  German  of  M.  Lessing. 

New  Haven  Gaz.  and  Conn.  Mag.— New  Haven. 

I-Feb.  16,  1786-Feb.  15,  1787. 

8— On  a  very  useful  custom  which  prevails  in  Holland. 
84— Some  particulars  of  the  rise  of  Peter  Schreutzer,  whom  the  King  of 

Prussia  raised  from  the  ranks  to  be  a  General  Officer. 
296 — Anecdote  of  the  King  of  Prussia,  Voltaire,  and  Lord  Chesterfield. 
319 — Extract  from  a  Treatise  on  Physiognomy.    By  M.  Lavater. 
395 — Anecdote  of  the  Late  King  of  Prussia. 

Amer.  Museum. — Phila. 
Ill— Jan. -June  1788. 

539 — Speech  on  the  learned  languages,  by  the  hon.  Francis  Hopkinson,  and 
delivered  by  a  young  gentleman  at  a  public  commencement  in  the  Univer 
sity  of  Pennsylvania.  [Against  the  study  of  Latin  and  Greek.  ..."  It 
is  not  necessary  to  search  antiquity  for  a  means  of  a  reciprocal  communi 
cation  of  ideas,  because  languages  most  in  use,  are,  in  truth,  the  most 
useful  to  be  known."] 
VI— July -Dec.  1789. 

35 — Account  of  the  Society  of  Dunkards  in  Pennsylvania.  Communicated 
by  a  British  officer  to  the  editor  of  the  Edinburgh  Magazine. 

159— Account  of  the  discovery  of  America,  by  the  Icelanders,  in  the  nth 
cent.,  taken  from  Mallet's  Northern  Antiquities.  Vol.  I. 

222— To  the  President  of  the  United  States.  The  address  of  the  ministers 
and  elders  of  the  German  Reformed  congregations  in  the  United  States, 
at  their  general  meeting,  held  at  Phila.,  June  1789. 


IN  AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  195 

223—  Washington's  reply  to  the  above. 

411—  Anecdote  of  Frederick  the  Great.     [Why  he  did  not  help  the  Ameri 

cans.] 

475—  Peter,  a  German  Tale. 
482—  Anecdotes.     No.    5—  Frederick    the    Great.     No.    8—  Charles    XII    of 

Sweden. 

VII  —  Jan.  -June  1790. 

J68  —  Anecdote  of  German  soldiers  retired  to  America. 
208—  A  Hint  [on  Dutch  industry]. 
216,  328—  The  Maid  of  Switzerland.     By  Miss  Anne  Blower. 

IX—  Jan.  -June  1791. 

42  (Appendix  III)—  Emigration  from  Germany.     [Short  paragraph.] 

X—  July  -Dec.   1791. 

108—  Anecdote  of  the  "  late  King  of  Prussia." 

35   (Appendix  I)—  A  hymn  on  the  nativity  of  Christ,  sung  in  the  Dutch 

church,  New  York. 
XI  —  Jan.  -June  1792. 
38—  State   of  the   female   sex,   among  the   ancient   Germans.     By   Gilbert 

Stuart,  LL.D. 
97—  Of  marriage  and  modesty  among  the  ancient  Germans.    By  Gilbert 

Stuart. 
102  —  Productions  and  Commerce  of  Germany.    From  Zimmerman's  politi 

cal  survey  of  the  present  state  of  Europe. 
XIII-I798. 
233—  King  of  Prussia  annuls  the  contracts  made  by  the  French  for  corn,  at 

Hamburg,  Bremen,  etc. 
255—  Treaty  of  Pilnitz. 

The  Amer.  Mag.-N.  Y. 
Dec.  1787-  Nov.  1788. 
779—  A  Gothic  Story. 


1—1789  *      ag'  °r  M°'  Museum-~Boston- 

164—  Avarice  and  Glory.     An  History.     By  the  King  of  Prussia.     By  the 

Shepherd  his  Majesty  means  himself. 

238—  A  Singular  Species  of  Folly  in  the  Dutch.     [The  tulip  craze.] 
310—  The  Wisdom  of  Providence.    An  Apologue.     From  the  German  of  the 

celebrated  Gellert. 
491—  Character    of    the    honourable    and    learned    Emanuel    Swedenborg. 

Written  by  himself. 
11-1790. 

53—  Anecdote  of  Frederick,  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
151—  An  Account  of  a  Visit  to  the  Alps.     By  M.  de  Saussure. 
i77~~The  Norway  Bear. 
456—  The  Saxon  Heroine. 


196       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

685 — Of  the  Cleanliness,  Order  and  Economy  of  Dutch  Prisons.  (By  the 
late  celebrated  Mr.  Howard.) 

708— Account  of  the  Moravian  Settlement  at  Bethlehem,  in  Pennsylvania. 
(From  Capt.  Aubrey's  Travels  through  the  interior  parts  of  America.*) 

*  An  English  work,  celebrated  for  its  want  of  candour  and  justice. 
III-I79I. 

102,  etc. — Various  Sketches  of  the  Dutch.  (From  "  A  Tour  in  Holland, 
in  1784,  by  an  American,"  just  published.) 

223 — An  Account  of  Miss  D.  Schlozer.  [Dorothy  Schlozer  in  the  Elec 
torate  of  Hanover  who  received  academical  honors  in  the  University  of 
Gottingen.] 

235,  etc.— Zohar,  an  Eastern  Tale.    By  Wieland. 

345— A  Prussian  Edict. 

365 — Description  of  Bethlehem;  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.  [References 
to  the  Germans.] 

470 — Anecdote  of  Christina,  Queen  of  Sweden. 

559 — Sketch  of  the  unfortunate  Erick  XIV,  son  of  the  great  Augustus  Vasa, 
King  of  Sweden. 

564 — Eulogium  of  Hacon,  King  of  Norway. 

571 — Character  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

627 — General  Character  of  the  Germans. 

756— Various  Sketches  of  the  Dutch. 
IV- 1792. 

166— Character  of  the  Swedish  Nation. 

306— History  of  Margarate  of  Valdemar.  (From  Cox's  Travels  in  Poland, 
Russia,  Sweden  and  Denmark.) 

544 — Prussian  Royal  Customs. 
V-I793- 

38 — Account  of  the   Swedish  Revolution. 

133— A  Sketch  of  Berlin. 
VI-I794- 

429  ff. — Claudine;  A  Swiss  Tale.     (From  the  French  M.  de  Florian.) 

497— Anecdotes  of  the  late  Emperor  of  Germany. 

555— Anecdotes  of  the  late  Joseph,  Emperor  of  Germany. 

584— Marriage  Rites  in  Modern  Germany. 
VII,  Nos.  4  (July),  ii  (Dec.)  1795. 

21— Lavater.     [Mentioned  in  table  of  contents.] 

233  —  Speculator,  No.  IX.     [An  article  on  the  drama.    Many  references  to 
the  German  drama.    "  Goethe,"  Lessing,   Schiller,  Leisewitz,   "  Garsten- 
berg,"  Unzer  and  Klinger  mentioned ;  also,  "  the  dramatic  poems  of  Klop- 
stock."] 
VIII- Jan.,  Mar. -Dec.  1796. 

33— Curious  characteristic  Particulars  of  the  celebrated  Reformer  Luther. 

200— Anecdote  of  Frederick  the  Great,  late  King  of  Prussia. 

258— Adventure  in  the  Convent  of  Carmelites  at  Augsburg.  From  Camp 
bell's  journey  overland  to  India. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  197 

303—  Marriage   Rites   in   different   Nations.     [Sweden,   Denmark,   Swedish 

Livonia,  Ancient  Germany.] 
343—  Martin  Luther.     [An  anecdote.] 
443  —  Flystone  used  by  the  Moravians  in  Pennsylvania. 
447  —  Physiognomy.      [Reference  to   Lavater.] 
469—  An  Account  of  Moravian  Settlements  in  Pennsylvania. 

The  Christian's,  Scholar's,  and  Farmer's  Mag.—  Elizabeth  -Town,  N.  J. 
I—  Apr.  1  789  -Mar.  1790. 
46—  Great  Charity  of  the  Dutch. 
632—  Anecdote  of  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 

—  From  a  German  divine,  a  doctor  of  Divinity.     [Unnumbered  page  fol 
lowing  656  with  heading  "  To  Subscribers."] 


i73~Song.    Tune,  German  Spa. 

321  —  Irus.    From  the  German. 

332—  Original  Anecdotes  of  Peter  the  Great.    From  a  German  work  just 

published. 
460—  Miscellaneous  observations  on  Holland.     In  a  letter  addressed  to  the 

Editor  of  the  Edinburgh  Mag. 
526—  An  Oration  delivered  by  Jacob  Morton,  Esq.,  in  the  Luthern  Church 

at  the  Anniversary  meeting  of  the  German  Society,  on  the  6th  of  Jan.  1791. 
534—  General  Character  of  the  Germans.     (From  Baron  Riesbeck's  Travels 

through  Germany.) 

730—  Anecdote  of  Christina,  Queen  of  Sweden. 
III-I792. 

361—  The  Generous  Mask.    A  Tale.     Imitated  from  the  German. 
391—  Anecdote  of  Frederick  III,  King  of  Prussia. 
475  —  Punishment   of   John    Jacob    Ankerstrom,    for   the    assassination    of 

Gustavus  III,  King  of  Sweden. 
IV-I793- 
222—  A  general  View  of  Switzerland  and  the  Alps,  with  an  affecting  anec 

dote.     (From  "  Observations  on  Denmark,  etc.") 

231  —  William  Tell.     (From  "A  Picturesque  Description  of  Switzerland.") 
293—  An  Oration  delivered  by  Gustavus  Adolphus  III  on  the  Foundation 

of  the  Swedish  Academy,  Mar.   20,   1786.     (From  Select  Orations  and 

Paper's  relative  to  the  Swedish  Academy.) 

428—  Of  the  Inhabitants  of  Loheia.     (From  Niebuhr's  Travels.) 
610—  A  brief  Analysis  of  the  Powers  of  the  Triumvirate,  Russia,  Austria 

and  Prussia;  which,  according  to  the  ideas  of  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne, 

if  the  present  combination  against  France  succeeds,  will  swallow  up  the 

other  governments  of  Europe. 
730—  Occurrence  in  the  Rhaetian  Alps;  with  the  general  Character  of  the 

Tyrolese.     (From  Travels  through  the  Rhaetian  Alps,  in  the  year  1786, 

from  Italy  to  Germany  through  Tyrol;  by  Albanis  Beaumont.) 


198       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

V-I794- 

325— Letter  from  Mr.   Klopstock  to  the  National  Convention  of  France. 
(From  "  The  late  Picture  of  Paris.") 

334— General  Reflections  on  Taste.    Trans,  from  the  German. 

425 — Account  of  the  State   Prison  of  Konigstein  in  Saxony.     (From  the 

Life  of  Baron  Trenk.) 
VI-I79S- 

269— Account  of   Extraordinary   Springs   in   Iceland.     (From   Horrebow's 
Natural  History  of  that  Island.) 

496 — An  extract  from  the  "  Ghost-seer,  or  Apparitionist,"  an  Interesting 
Fragment,  found  among  the  Papers  of  Count  O — * 
*  Vide  Mo.  Rev.,  for  Sept.  1794,  p.  21  for  merits  of  this  work. 

593 — Character  of  the  Dunkers.     (From  Winchester's  Universal  Restora 
tion.) 

663 — Account  of  Travels  into  Norway,  Denmark  and  Russia,  in  the  years 
1788,  '89,  '90,  '91.     By  A.  Swinton,  Esq. 

752— Description    of    Iceland.     (From    Watson's    Universal    Gazateer,    or 

Modern  Geographical  Index.) 
n.  s.  I,  Jan. -July  1796. 

239 — Battle  of  Morat.     (From  Coxe's  Travels  in  Switzerland.) 

244— Account  of  the  Timber  Floats  on  the  Rhine. 

250— Curious  Account  of  the  Punishment  of  State  Criminals  of  Family  in 
Holland. 

251  —  Of  the  Influence  of  Countenance  on  Countenance.     [By  Lavater.] 

311— Ruins  of  Caithness— A  Gothic  Tale. 

338— Account  of  a  Dutch  Drum.     (From  Pratt's  Gleanings.) 

339 — Anecdotes  of  the  Prince  Royal  of  Denmark.     (From  Mrs.  Wollston- 
craft's  Letters.) 

369— Helvetic  Confederacy.     (From  Coxe's  Travels  in  Switzerland.) 
n.  s.  11—1797. 

1 16— Destruction  of  the  Town  of  Plurs,  by  the  Fall  of  a  Mountain.     (From 
Coxe's  Travels  in  Switzerland.) 

141— The  Offspring  of  Mercy.     (From  Herder's  Scattered  Leaves.) 

141 — The  Vine.     (From  the  same.) 

247 — Sleep.     (From   Herder's    Scattered   Leaves.) 

247 — The  Choice  of  Flora.     (From  the  same.) 

248 — Aurora.     (From  the  same.) 

261  —  Sports  of  the   Swiss   Peasantry.     (From  Durand's  Elementary  Sta 
tistics  of  Switzerland.) 

308 — The  Topography  and  Natural  History  of  the  Swiss  Alps.     (From  a 
work  of  that  name  by  the  late  Baron  Haller.) 

316— Account   of   the    Public    Eating-houses   of   Vienna.     (From    Owen's 
Travels.) 

322— On  the  Literature  of  Geneva.     (From  Coxe's  Travels  in  Switzerland.) 

368— Claudine:   A  Swiss  Tale.     (From  the  French  of  M.  de  Florian.) 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  199 

408— Conversation    between    Sebaldus    and    a    Military    Officer.     (From 

Button's  Translation  of  Nicolai's  Nothanker.) 
481 — The  Nuptial  Funeral.    An  Historical  Fragment.     (From  a  German 

Chronicle.) 
547 — State  of  Chemistry  in  Germany. 

The  Amer.  Apollo. — Boston. 
I— Jan.  6- Sept.  28,  1792. 
314— Character  of  Gustavus  III,  Late  King  of  Sweden. 

Lady's  Mag.  and  Repos.  of  Entertaining  Knowledge.— Phila. 

I— Dec.  1792-May  1793. 

253 — A  general  view  of  Switzerland  and  the  Alps,  with  an  affecting 
anecdote.  [Containing  a  poem.  Cf.  p.  136.] 

Curiosities  of  Literature.— London  printed;  Phila.  reprinted  1793. 
185 — The  Thirteen  Cantons,     [i.  e.,  Switzerland.] 

Rural  Mag.  or  Vt.  Repos.— Rutland. 
1  —  1795- 

493 — (At  a  moment  when  the  eyes  of  all  Europe  are  directed  to  the  Diet 
of  Ratisbon,  a  sketch  of  the  German  Constitution,  and  of  its  military 
forces,  cannot  be  unacceptable  to  the  generality  of  our  readers.) 
[The  article  follows.] 
11-1796. 

76 — Germany.     [iy2  pages.] 
220 — Anecdotes  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

352— Character  of  the  Dunkers.     From  Winchester's  Universal  Restoration. 
387— Origin  of  the  University  of  Leyden.    From  Dr.  Smith's  tour  on  the 

continent. 

535— Letter  from  the  King  of  Prussia,  in  his  own  hand,  to  M.  Voltaire. 
[Trans.] 

Amer.  Mo.  Rev.— Phila. 
I— Jan. -Apr.  1795. 

199,  491 — Lit.  intelligence  from  the  continent. — Sweden,  Denmark. 

201,  324 — Niebuhr's  Travels  through  Arabia,  and  Other  Countries  in  the 
East.  Trans,  into  English  by  Robert  Heron.  [Book  notice.] 

271— Iphigenia  in  Tauris.     A  Tragedy  written  originally  in  German  by  J. 
W.  von  Goethe.     Printed  at  Norwich;  sold  by  Johnson,  London.     [Ex 
tracts  from  the  metrical  trans,  given.     By  Wm.  Taylor  of  Norwich.  (?)] 
II— May-Aug.  1795. 

201— Onderzoek  van  der  Aart  der  Voorspellingen.    An  Inquiry  into  the 
Nature  of  Prophecies,  by  Konynenburg    (Prof,   in  Amsterdam).     Haar 
lem  1794.     [Notice.] 
Ill— Sept. -Dec.  1795. 

184 — Cabal  and  Love,  A  Tragedy  trans,  from  the  German  of  F.  Schiller, 
Author  of  the  Robbers,  Don  Carlos,  the  Conspiracy  of  Fiesco,  &c.  [Book 
notice.] 


200       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

298 — The  Count  of  Hoernsdern;  a  German  Tale.  By  the  Author  of  Con 
stance,  the  Pharos,  Argus,  &c.  f Notice.] 

304— Introduction  of  the  New  Testament.  By  John  David  Michaelis  late 
Prof,  in  the  University  of  Gottingen,  &c.  Trans,  from  the  4th  ed.  of  the 
German  and  considerably  augmented  with  Notes,  explanatory  and  supple 
mental.  By  Herbert  Marsh,  B.D.  Fellow  of  St.  John's  College,  Cam 
bridge.  [Notice.] 

The  Weekly  Museum.— N.  Y. 

VIII— May  9,  I795~june  18,  1796. 
May  23,  1795— Dutch  Magnanimity. 

June  20 — Anecdote  of  Count  Cagliostro. — Letter  from  Tuscofee,  Surgeon  at 
Vienna  in  Austria,  to  the  Editor  of  "  Courier  de  1'Europe,"  publ.  in  Lon 
don. 

Aug.  29— Count  Hohenloe.    A  German  Story. 

Feb.  6,  1796 — Curious  Contest  between  two  Rival  Lovers.  A  German  Anec 
dote. 

June  18 — The  Hermit  of  the  Alps.    A  Fragment.     [A  continued  story.] 
IX— June  25 -Dec.  31,  1796. 
Nov.  26— Affecting  Anecdote  of  an  Officer  in  the  Prussian  Service. 

N.  Y.  Weekly  Mag.-N.  Y. 

I- July  i,  1795 -June  29,  1796. 

46— The  Apparitionist.    Trans,  from  Schiller. 
II— July  6,  1796-June  28,  1797. 

4— The  Victim  of  Magical  Delusion.    Trans,  from  the  German  of  Tschink. 

Phila.  Minerva.- Phila. 

I— Feb.  7,  1 795 -Jan.  30,  1796. 

May  9— Amsterdam;  Haarlem. 

Aug.  29 — Irus.     From  the  German  of  X.  Sehhewio. 

Oct.  31. — Dutch  Magnanimity. 
II— Feb.  6,  1796-Jan.  21,  1797. 

Feb.  6 — A  Striking  Anecdote  of  the  Late  King  of  Prussia. 

Feb.  6— Military  Courtship.    A  curious  old  Danish  Anecdote. 

Mar.  12 — Anecdote  [of  a  Dutchman]. 

May  28 — Curious  Contest  between  Two  Rival  Lovers.    A  German  Anecdote. 

Nov.  19— of  the  Late  King  of  Prussia. 
Ill— Jan.  28,  1797-Jan.  27,  1798. 

Apr.  22— The  Fatal  Effects  of  a  too  Susceptible  Heart  in  a  Young  Prussian 

Officer. 
IV-Feb.  3-July  7,  1798. 

20 — The  Generous  Mask.    A  Tale.    Imitated  from  the  German. 

90. — A  Deluge  Scene.     (Trans,  from  the  German.) 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  2OI 

Mo.  Military  Repos.— N.  Y. 
1-1796. 

23— King  of  Prussia's  Battles. 

25— The  Seven  Years,  or  Third  Silesian  War.     By  I.   W.  d'Archenholz, 

Captain  in  the  Prussian  Service.    Trans,  from  the  German  by  the  Editor. 
45— Relation  of  Charles  XII,  King  of  Sweden,  being  taken   Prisoner  at 

Varmiza,  near  Bender. 
139— Reflections  on  the  character  and  military  talents  of  Charles  XII,  King 

of  Sweden,  by  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
11-1797. 

15— Instruction  for  the  Inspectors  of  Infantry.     By  the  King  of  Prussia, 

Frederic  the  Great.     [Trans,  from  the  German.] 

Lit.  Museum. — West  Chester. 
Jan. -June   1797. 

80— Herman  of  Unna.  A  Series  of  Adventures  of  the  fifteenth  Century, 
in  which  the  Proceedings  of  the  Secret  Tribunal  under  the  Emperors 
Winceslaus  and  Sigismund  are  delineated.  Written  in  German  by  Prof. 
Kramer. 

125  —  Memoir  on  Plants  which  emit  Light;  by  Mr.  Haggeron.  Lecturer  on 
Natural  History.  Trans,  from  the  Swedish. 

159— Anecdote  of  M.  Lavater. 

175— Origin  of  the  University  of  Leyden. 

180— The  Good  Friar  of  Augsburg.  (From  Mr.  Campbell's  Journey  over 
Land  to  India.) 

192 — A  new  view  of  the  city  of  Copenhagen,  with  Observations  on  the 
Character  and  Manners  of  the  Danes.  (From  Mrs.  Wollstencraft's  Let 
ters  during  a  residence  in  Sweden,  Norway  and  Denmark.) 

200— Of  the  Influence  of  Countenance  on  Countenance.     By  Lavater. 

233— Account  of  a  Dutch  Drum. 

253— An  Interesting  Fragment.     (From  the  Ghost-seer,  or  Apparitionist.) 

309— Of  the  Valteline.     From  Cox's  Travels  in  Switzerland. 

Amer.  Universal  Mag.— Phila. 
I— Jan.  2 -Mar.  20,   1797. 

62— Anecdote  of  Dr.  Franklin  and  the  late  King  of  Sweden. 
II— Apr.  3-June  13,  1797. 
79— Account  of  a  Cask  in  the  Castle  of  Konigstein,  reckoned  the  largest  in 

the  world. 
172 — Extraordinary  Anecdote.    From  the  German  trans,   of  Linnaeus  by 

Prof.  Muller. 
Ill — July  zo-Nov.  15,  1797. 

io— Timber  Floats  on  the  Rhine. 

128— Occurrences  in  the  Rhaetian  Alps.     (From  the  Travels  of  Albanies 

Beaumont.) 

204— A  Portrait  of  Voltaire,  by  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
235— General  Reflections  on  Taste.    Trans,  from  the  German. 


202       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

362 — The  Prudent  Judge.    An  Eastern  Tale.    Trans,  from  the  German. 
400 — Anecdote  of  Charles  XII,  King  of  Sweden. 
407 — State  of  Chemistry  in  Germany. 
IV— Dec.  5,  1797 -Mar.  7,  1798. 
102 — Description  of  Mount  Blanc.     By  M.  Bourrit. 

237— Some  Account  of  the  Tulip-madness,  which  prevailed  in  Holland  in 
the  last  century. 

Amer.  Moral  and  Sentimental  Mag.— N.  Y. 

I- July  3,  1797 -May  21,  1798. 
25— Anecdotes  of  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
729 — Biographical  Anecdotes  of  Peter  Anich,  an  ingenious  German  peasant. 

Phila.  Mo.  Mag.-Phila. 
I— Jan. -June  1798. 

205 — Waldemar,  a  character  from  the  German  of  Jacobi  of  Dusseldorf. 

Weekly  Mag.-Phila. 
I— Feb.  3 -Apr.  28,  1798. 

124 — Whimsical  Anecdote  of  the  Princess  of  Prussia. 

220— Some  Account  of  the  Poems  of  G.  A.  Burger.     By  the  Translator  of 

Goethe's  Iphigenia  in  Tauris. 
II— May  5 -July  23,  1798. 

152 — Account  of  the  Geyser,  a  surprising  Spring  in  Iceland. 

335 — Anecdotes  of  Gibbon.    From  Matthisson's  Letters,  lately  published  at 

Zurich. 

349 — An  Anecdote  of  Emperor  Sigismund. 
396 — Singular  Method  of  employing  Dogs  in  Holland. 
397 — M.  de  Saussure's  celebrated  expedition  to  Mont  Blanc. 
404 — German  Fondness  for  Good  Eating. 
Ill— Aug.  4,  1798-Apr.  6,  1799. 

59— A  Pyrometer.     (From  the  Travels  of  Count  Stolberg  through  Ger 
many,  Switzerland,  Italy  and  Sicily.     A  late  Publication.) 
181— The  Death  of  Adam.    From  Herder's  Scattered  Leaves  and  Letters. 
243 — Sleep.    From  Herder's  Scattered  Leaves. 

The  Key.— Frederick  Town. 
I— Jan.  13 -July  7,  1798. 

75 — The  Generous  Mask.    A  Tale.    Imitated  from  the  German. 
141— William  Tell. 
187— A  Deluge  Scene.    Trans,  from  the  German. 

Mo.  Mag.  and  Amer.  Rev.-N.  Y. 
I— Apr. -Dec.  1799. 

55— An  Ecclesiastical  History.  By  the  late  learned  John  Lawrence 
Mosheim,  D.D.  and  Chancellor  of  the  Univ.  of  Gottingen.  Trans,  from 
the  Latin  by  Archibald  Maclaine,  D.D.  [Review.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  203 

76— Anecdotes  of  distinguished  characters — Kotzebue. 
.96— Remarks  on  Lover's  Vows:  from  the  German  of  Kotzebue.     By  Mrs. 

Inchbald. 
148— Some  particulars  respecting  the  late  Embassy  of  the  Dutch  East  India 

Co.  to  the  Court  of  Pekin. 
153— Schiller. 

335 — Walstein's  School  of  History.     From  the  German  of  Krants  of  Gotha. 
II — Jan. -June  1800. 

8 — Literary  Industry  of  the  Germans.     [Cf.  p.  17.] 
73 — Description  of  the  Volcano  in  the  Island  of  St.  Lucia.    By  M.  Cassan. 

From  Transactions  of  the  Swedish  Academy  of  Sciences.    Vol.  XI. 
133— The  Count  of  Burgundy— Kotzebue.    Trans,  by  Chas.  Smith. 

[The  same.]     Trans,  by  Ann  Plumptre.     [Review.] 
225— The   Wild    Youth— Kotzebue.    Trans,    by    Chas.    Smith.    The    Wild 

Goose  Chase — Kotzebue.     Trans,  by  Wm.  Dunlap.     [Review.] 
284 — On  the  Study  of  German. 
444 — A  View  of  the  State  of  the  Stage  in  Germany. 
Ill- July- Dec.  1800. 

68 — Account  of  the  Swedish  Island  of  St.  Bartholomew,  in  the  West  Indies. 
283— Characteristic  Anecdotes  of  Suwarrow;   by  a   German   Officer,   who 

served  under  him  in  Poland. 
303 — Account  of  the  political  journals,  &c.,  in  the  Dominion  of  the  King 

of  Denmark. 

306 —  [The  same]  in  Sweden. 
453 — Pizarro  in  Peru,  or  the  Death  of  Rolla. — Kotzebue.    Trans,  by  Wm. 

Dunlap.     [Review.] 

Phila.  Mag.  and  Rev.— Phila. 
I— Jan. -June  1799. 

28— Anecdote  of  Dr.  Franklin  and  the  late  King  of  Sweden. 
34 — A  History  of  Inventions  and  Discoveries,  by  John  Beckmann,  public 
Professor  of  Economy,  in  the  Univ.  of  Gottingen.    Trans,  from  the  Ger 
man  by  Wm.  Johnston.     3  vols.     [Notice.] 

147— Anecdotes  of  the  Police  of  Milan.    From  a  German  Author. 
224— Der  Freistaat  von  Nord-America ;  or  The  Free-State  of  North  Amer 
ica,  described  by  D.  von  Billow.     2  vols.     [Notice.] 

Phila.  Repos.— Phila. 
I— Nov.  15,  1800- Nov.  7,  1801. 
207— Humorous  Correspondence.     [Dr.  Schmidt  of  the  Cathedral  of  Berlin 

with  the  King  of  Prussia.] 

290 — A  view  of  the  Private  Life  of  the  Late  King  of  Prussia. 
331 — Remarkable    Instance    of    "the    Ruling    Passion    strong    in    Death." 

[Anecdote  of  Frederick  William,  King  of  Prussia.] 
III-i8o3. 

313 — The  Maid  of  Switzerland.     A  Tale. 
396— Dr.  Laurenzius.     The  Elwes  of  Germany. 


204       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

IV- 1804. 

38 — Klopstock  and  Gleim. 
72— From    Travels    in    Switzerland.     By    Helan    Maria    Williams.     [13 

stanzas  given.] 

181  —  Sleep.    From  Herder's  Scattered  Leaves  and  Letters. 
187 — Anecdote  of  the  Emperor  of  Germany. 
343 — A  Name  to  Travel  With.     (Trans,  from  the  German.) 

Columbian  Phenix.— Boston. 
I  — 1800. 

74 — On  the  National  Character  of  the  Dutch.     (From  the  MS.  notes  of  a 

German.) 
94— Handel. 
365— Kotzebue. 
370— Account  of  the  Anabaptists  in  Germany,  in  the  year  1534. 

Child  of  Pallas.— Balto. 
I-i8oo. 

74 — [Reference  to  Lavater.] 

210— Anecdote  of  Frederick  III.  .  .  . 

Note:   Engel  has  made  this  anecdote  the  subject  of  a  little  drama,  entitled 
"  The  Page." 
245— Anecdote  of  Handel. 

Balto.  Weekly  Mag.— Balto. 

Apr.  26,  1 800 -Mar.  27,  1801. 
68 — Account  of  General  Kleber. 

94— The  General  Advantages  of  Solitude.    From  the  German  of  M.  Zimmer 
man. 

Port  Folio.— Phila. 
I— 1801. 

I,   etc.— Journal  of  a  Tour  through   Silesia.     [By  John   Quincy  Adams. 

Cf.  p.  2.] 

58— Gessner.     [Prose  article.] 
186 — Letters  from  an  American  resident  abroad  on  various  types  of  foreign 

literature.     [Frederick  the  Great  and  Gellert,  a  dialogue.] 
I93~ Principles  of  the  American  and  French  Revolutions  compared.    Trans. 

from  the  German  of  Gentz. 
II -1802. 

42— Kotzebue  Vindicated. 
337— Interesting  Travels  in  North  America.    Trans,  from  the  German  of 

Bulow. 

II- July- Dec.  1806. 
369— Review :  The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland  and  Other  Poems.     By  James 

Montgomery.     [For  quotations,  cf.  p.  163.] 


UM/V£f 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  205 

IV—  July  -Dec.  1807. 

228—"  On  the  Olympic  Games,  &c."  From  an  Original  Work,  entitled 
Memoirs  of  Anacreon,  Translated  from  the  Greek  by  Charles  Sedley, 
Esq."  [In  the  review  of  the  above  is  the  translation  :  "  On  the  Power  of 
Beauty."*] 

*  "  The  German  poet  Uz  has  imitated  this  ode.     Compare  also  Weisse 
Scherz.    Lieder  lib  iii  der  Soldat,  Gail,  Degen." 

V—  Jan.  -June  1808. 

363—  The  Signora  Aveduta.    From  the  German  and  French. 
380.  —  David  Teniers,  Painter. 

394,  406—  Critique.  Odes  from  the  Norse  and  Welch  tongues.  Gray. 
[For  quotations,  cf.  pp.  128,  175.] 

VI—  July-  Dec.  1808. 

10—  Memoirs  of  Baron  de  Besenval.    From  the  German  and  French. 

55  —  Critique.     Odes  from  the  Norse,  &c.     [Gray.    For  quotations,  cf.  pp. 

128,  175-] 

I—  Jan.  -June  1809. 
143  —  Leipsic  Fair. 
240  —  Military  Character.  —  Austrians. 

III—  Jan.  -June  1810. 

472—  Observations  on  the  Music  of  Handel. 

IV-  July-  Dec.  1810. 

264—  Sketch  of  the  Life  of  Ferdinand  von  Schill. 

Lady's  Mag.  and  Musical  Repos.—  N.  Y. 

I—  Jan.  -June  1801. 

19—  All  Happiness  is  Illusion—  woe  to  him  who  robs  us  of  it.  A  Dramatic 
Anecdote,  from  the  miscellaneous  works  of  Kotzebue.  Trans,  by  C. 
Smith. 

290—  Sketch  of  Lavater. 

II—  July-Dec.  1801. 

193—  Albert  and  Laura:   A  Swiss  Tale. 

284—  Extract  from  a  Sketch  of  the  Life  and  Writings  of  Kotzebue. 

III—  Jan.  -June  1802. 

loo—  Extracts  from  the  Writings  of  Mary  Wollstoncraft  Godwin.  (From 
Travels  into  Sweden,  Norway  and  Denmark.) 

Amer.  Rev.  and  Lit.  Journal.—  N.  Y. 
I  —  1801. 

120—  New  Discoveries  in  Medicine,  patronized  by  the  King  of  Prussia. 
333  —  Wieland,    or   the    Transformation.     An    American    Tale.      [Charles 
Brockden  Brown.] 

II-l802. 

62—  Letter  of  King  Frederick  William  of  Prussia  to  Major  Hamelberg. 
204—  A  Tour  through  Holland,  in  the  year  1784.    By  an  American.    Wor 
cester,  1790. 


206       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

New  Eng.  Quart.  Mag.—  Boston. 
No.  I  —  Apr.  -June  1802. 

36—  The  Art  of  Prolonging  Life.    Trans,  from  the  German  of  Dr.  Hufeland. 

67—  Frederick  the  Great.    Extracted  from  Wraxall's  Memoirs. 

269—  An  Epigram  on  the  late  King  of  Prussia,  and  a  receipt  by  Voltaire. 
No.  2.—  July  -Sept.  1802. 

18  —  Present  State  of  Chemistry  in  Germany. 

52  —  Boerhaave. 

57—  John  Paul  Fred.  Richter. 

6  1  —  John  Jerome  Schroter. 

169—  Of  the  City  of  Cairo.    From  Niebuhr's  Travels. 

262—  German  Literature.     [A  short  paragraph.] 
No.  3—  Oct.  -Dec.  1802. 

28—  Disputes  between  the  Brunonians  and  Antibrunonians  in  Germany. 

198—  A  curious  Memoir  of  M.  Emanuel  Swedenborg,  concerning  Charles 
XII  of  Sweden. 


94—  Life  of  Lavater,  the  celebrated  Physiognomist. 
94—  Anecdote  of  Professor  Junker  of  the  University  of  Halle. 
IV-  1802  [1804  ?]• 
198—  Luther. 

Balance  and  Columbian  Repos.—  Hudson  (N.  Y.) 
II  —  1003. 

240—  A  Gallant  Dutchman. 
304—  Anecdote  of  a  German  Chemist. 
III-i8o4. 

220  —  Female  Swindler  at  Vienna.    From  a  London  Paper. 

Weekly  Visitor.-  N.  Y. 

I—  Oct.  9,  1802  -Apr.  2,  1803. 

36—  Manners  of  the  Arabians  in  Egypt.    From  Niebuhr's  Travels. 
54  —  Swiss  Insurrection. 
86  —  Switzerland. 
148  —  Anecdote  of  Gerard  Dou,  a  famous  Dutch  painter. 

Boston  Weekly  Mag.  —  Boston. 

I—  Oct.  30,  1802  -Oct.  22,  1803. 

116  —  Kotzebue's  Account  of  the  Illness  and  Death  of  his  Wife. 
182  —  Anecdote  of  Prof.  Junker  of  the  Univ.  of  Halle. 

II—  Oct.  29,  1803  -Oct.  20,  1804- 

74—  Gustavus  Adolphus,  King  of  Sweden. 
126—  City  of  Berne. 

III—  Oct.  27,  1804  -Oct.  19,  1805. 

74,  102,  142—  Anecdotes  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  2O/ 

Mass.  Missionary  Mag.— Salem  and  Boston. 

Ill- June  1805 -May  1806. 

121  —  Memoir  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Casper  Lavater. 

229— Duke  of  Saxony. 
IV— June  1806 -May  1807. 

263— Gustavus  Adolphus,  King  of  Sweden. 
V— June  1807 -May  1808. 

193— Dr.  Spener. 

Lit.  Mag.  and  Amer.  Register.— Phila. 
I— Oct.  i8o3-Mar.  1804. 

168,  171,  253,  254 — Journey  through  part  of  Pennsylvania.     [References  to 
the  Germans.] 

468— Criticism    on    Klopstock's     Messiah.     [Trans,     of     15     lines     given. 

Cf.  p.  66.] 
II— Apr. -Dec.  1804. 

33— Particulars  respecting  Sweden,  by  Ascerbi. 

39— Description  of  Dresden  and  its  environs,  from  an  accurate  and  ex 
tensive  work,  which  has  lately  appeared  in  the  form  of  letters,  at  Berlin. 

105— Account  of  the  Dutch  East  Indian  Settlements. 

138— Some  Account  of  a  Mechanical  Genius.     By  Stolberg. 

299— Excursion  to  the  North  of  Germany.    Description  of  Hamburg. 

23!»  3O7.  39O — Criticism  of  Klopstock's  Messiah.     Continued  from  I — 470. 
[Quotations  given.] 

375 "Cretins,  or  Swiss  Idiots. 

472— Sketch  of  Amsterdam,  taken  from  the  letter  of  a  traveller  who  visited 
that  city  in  July,  1799. 

489— Female  Swindler  at  Vienna.    From  a  late  London  paper. 

514— Zeendorf  education,  and  military  system. 

525— A  Flemish  Pulpit. 

530— Anecdote  [of  a  Dutch  merchant]. 

550— Schinderhannes,  the  Robber. 

552— Tager  Talpier  [a  German  who  had  been  married  eleven  times]. 

553 — Anecdote   [of  a  German  prince  Esterhazy]. 

666 — The  German  School  of  Painting. 

715— The  Pastorals  of  Gesner.     [Critique.] 
Ill— Jan.-June  1805. 

138— Klopstock  and  his  Odes. 

207 — Passage  of  the  Alps. 

362 — Klopstock's  Wife. 

438— State  of  Book-making  in  Germany. 
IV- July -Dec.   1805. 

28— Dutch  Industry. 

35 "Characteristics  of  the  Military  of  the  French  and  Austrians.    From  a 
German  publication. 


208       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

38 — German  Cemeteries. 

45 — An  Account  of  the  Houses  of  Industry  in  Flanders. 

117 — Anecdotes  of  Wieland. 

148— Dutch  Taste. 

353 — Portrait  of  a  Dantzick  Merchant. 

353— A  Prospect  of  Sweden. 
V— Jan. -June  1806. 

26— Subterranean  Sketch  of  Sweden. 

132 — Zurich  and  Lavater. 

183— Anecdotes  of  the  Character  of  Frederick  the  Great  of  Prussia. 

259— Biographical  Sketch  of  Frederick  Schiller,  the  German  Dramatist. 

340— The  Tyrolese.     By   Kotzebue. 

358— Procession  of  the  Host  at  Rome.    By  Kotzebue. 
VI- July- Dec.  1806. 

297— Kotzebue.     [One  paragraph.] 

306— The  French  and  Austrian  Military  Character  compared. 

383— The  French  in  Hanover. 

409— The  Neapolitan  Post-office.    By  Kotzebue. 

451— The  Sorrows  of  Werter.     [Critique.] 

455>  458 — Commercial  Sketches. — Prussia,  etc. 
VII— Jan. -June  1807. 

21 — A  Sketch  of  Switzerland  and  the  Swiss. 

106— A  View  of  Amsterdam;  with  Observations  on  the  Manners  of  the 
Dutch.     By  Mr.  Holcroft. 

163— Statistical  View  of  the  Prussian  Dominions. 

175,  243— Memoirs  of  Dr.  Zimmerman.    From  the  French  of  M.  Tissot. 

218— Abstract  of  the  Bankrupt  Law  of  the  City  of  Hamburg.    By  P.  A. 
Nimnich,  LL.D.,  of  Hamburg. 

283— Abridged  History  of  the  Dutch  Stage.    By  M.  de  Haug. 

335— Memoirs  of  Frederick  Theophilus  Klopstock,  Author  of  the  Messiah 
and  other  Poems.     [Summary.] 

413— Memoirs  of  the  late  Duke  of  Brunswick-Luneburg,  Commander-in- 

Chief  of  the  Army  of  Prussia. 
VIII-July-Dec.  1807. 

28— Life  of  Godfred  Augustus  Burger. 

66— Memoirs  of  the  Celebrated  Boerhaave. 

200— Extract  from  the  will  of  an  old  bachelor,  who  died  at  the  age  of  87. 
From  the  German. 

202 — Anecdote  of  a  Swiss  Captain  in  France. 

237— Denmark. 

Mo.  Anthology.— Boston. 
IV— 1807. 

371— The  Robbers.     [Critique.    Author's  name  not  mentioned,  but  reference 
made  to  the  characters:    Moor,  Francis,  Amelia,  the  infamous  Charles 
and  Kozinski]. 
V-i8o8. 
258— Sleep.    From  Herder's  Scattered  Leaves. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  209 

374 — Aurora.     Ibid. 

656 — Winkelman.     [Short  paragraph.] 
VIII— Jan. -June  1810. 

89— Letters  of  a  German  Baron. 

350,  425 — Greek  Literature.    German  Critics  and  Editors. 
IX— July -Dec.  1810. 

55 — Biblical  Literature.    German  Critics  and  Editors. 

70 — Map  of  Germany. 

191— Oberon,  a  poem  from  the  German  of  Wieland,  by  Wm.  Sotheby.     [Re 
view.] 

Lit.  Tablet.— Hanover,  N.  H. 

Ill- Aug.  1805 -Aug.  1806. 
27— Sorrows  of  Werter.     "We  are  informed  that  this  is  a  true  story.  ..." 

[Short  paragraph.] 
34 — Biog.  of  Boerhaave.     [A  noted  scientist  of  Holland.] 

Companion  and  Weekly  Misc.— Balto. 

I-Nov.  3,  1804 -Oct.  26,  1805. 
34— [Paragraph  on  "The  Stranger"  by  Kotzebue.     No  heading.] 

„  Lit.  Misc.— Cambridge. 

26 — A  Brief  View  of  the  Progress  of  Literature  in  Germany. 
33 — Memoir  respecting  the  Union  of  the  Swiss  Cantons,  and  their  Emanci 
pation  from  the  House  of  Austria. 
77 — Memoirs  of  Salomon  Gessner,  the  celebrated  Writer. 

Mo.  Register  and  Rev.  of  U.  S.— Charleston,  S.  C,  and  New  York. 
I— Jan.  i8o5-July  1806. 

144 — A  Protestant  Religious  Ceremony.     Zurich  in  Switzerland. 
255— Singular  Customs  in  New-Holland. 
364 — Defence  of  Martin  Luther. 

TT_  ays  Evening  Fireside.— Phila. 

47 — Anecdote  of  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 

79 — Henry,  Duke  of  Saxony. 

87— Negotiations  between  the  emperors  of  France  and  Germany. 

108— Biog.  of  Baron  Haller.     [Albert  Haller.] 

264— The  wonderful  Boy  of  Lubeck.     [Christian  Henry  Heineken.] 

Norfolk  Repos.— Dedham,  Mass. 

II— Nov.  11,  1806 -Nov.  3,  1807. 
417,  301  — Siege  of  Dantsic. 

436— Worthy  of  Example.    Trans,  from  the  German. 
436— Discovery  of  a  new  planet  by  Olbers,  a  German. 


210  TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 

Panoplist. — Boston. 
I— June  1805 -May  1806. 

35 — Lit.  Intelligence. — Germany. 

225 — A  new  and  most  extraordinary  Society  [in  Holland]. 

377 — Life  of  Luther.     [From  the  Religious  Monitor.] 

467— Distress  in  Germany. 
II— June  1806- May  1807. 

38— State  of  Religion  in  Swabia,  Bavaria  and  Hungary. 

460 — Reply  of  Luther. 

484 — Lit.  Intelligence. — Holland. 
Ill— June  1807 -May  1808. 

28— Anecdote  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

38— Letter  from  Wirtemberg  to  a  gentleman  in  Baltimore,  regarding  the 
change  from  Protestantism  to  Catholicism. 

191,  234,  425— Foreign  Lit.  Intelligence.— Norway,  Switzerland,  Denmark, 

Germany. 
IV— June  1808 -May  1809. 

353— Religious  Intelligence.— Sweden. 
V— June  1809 -May  1810. 

171 — Extract  from  Arndt. 

Polyanthos.— Boston. 
II-Apr.-July  1806. 

153— Dramatick  Biog.     Some  Account  of  Gellert. 

254— Ladies  of  Sweden.    From  Carr's  Northern  Summer. 
IV- Dec.  1806 -Mar.  1807. 

20— Iceland. 

99— Frederick  the  Great. 

124— Eckhof.    The  German  Rosicus. 
V- Apr. -July  1807. 

Weekly  Visitant.— Salem. 

37— The  Spectre  of  the  Broaken— A  mountain  near  Hanover,  in  Germany. 

Extracted  from  a  Gottingen  Journal.     [The  Brocken  in  the  Harz  Mts.] 
196 — Of  Latin  Inscriptions.  —  Kotzebue. 
313— Wieland.     [Short  paragraph.] 

Observer.— Balto. 

I— Nov.  29,  i8o6-June  27,  1807. 

26— Political.— Considerations  upon  the  Rupture  of  Prussia  with  France. 

108—  Political.— Austria. 

172— Reply  to  the  Manifesto  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 
II— July  4 -Dec.  26,  1807. 

97 — Austrian  Dalmatia. 

108 — Martin  Luther  and  Calvin. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  21 1 

Emerald.— Boston. 
II— Jan.  3 -Oct.  17,  1807. 

108— [Critique    of    the    "Wanderer    of    Switzerland."    By    James    Mont 
gomery,  containing  extracts.     Cf.  p.  169.] 
308— Short  paragraphs  by  the  late  King  of  Prussia. 
I— Oct.  24,  i8o7-Oct.  15,  1808  (New  Establishment). 
495— Original  Account  of  Sweden. 

Theatrical  Censor.— Phila. 
Nos.  1-17,  Dec.  9,  1805 -Mar.  3,  1806. 

19— Dimond's  "Hunter  of  the  Alps."     [16  lines  of  poetry  quoted.    Critique 
of  the  play.] 

Amer.  Register.— Phila. 
VI— Part  II  for  1809. 

17— Chap.  III.    Causes  of  the  Austrian  War,  its  progress  and  termination. 
Vll-Part  I  for  1810. 
3— Reflections  on  the  state  of  Holland. 
215 — German  Emigrants. 

Pastime.— Albany  and  Schenectady. 
I— Feb.  21 -Aug.  i,  1807. 

8— The  Vintage  Feast.    To  the  Melody  of  the  Ranz  des  Vaches. 
46— [Mention  of  Klopstock's  use  of  hexameters  in  his  "Messiah."] 
95  — Ode,  commemorative  of  the  destruction  of  a  corps  of  emigrant  hussars, 
under  Prince  Conde,  on  the  night  of  the  battle  of  Kamlach.     Scene- 
Banks  of  the  Danube. 

Wonderful  Mag.— Carlisle,  Pa. 
looo. 

98 — Account  of  the  fall  of  Mount  Rosenberg,  in  Switzerland,  which  took 

place  on  the  second  of  September  1806. 
266 — An  account  of  a  Journey  to  the  Volcano  of  Mount  Hecla  [in  Iceland]. 

Charms  of  Lit.— Trenton. 

loOo. 

254— The  Hermitage,  or  an  account  of  an  interesting  occurrence  in  the 

Rhaetian  Alps,  with  the  general  character  of  the  Tyrolese. 
406— Female  Heroism.    A  real  fact,  related  by  Meissner. 


Lit.  Mirror.— Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

I— Feb.  20,  i8o8-Feb.  n,  1809.     [No.  i  imperfect] 

5— A  short  sketch  of  the  life  and  character  of  the  learned  and  excellent 
Musaeus.     By  his  pupil  Kotzebue.     [Continued  from  No.  i.] 


212  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

Lady's  Weekly  Misc.-N.  Y. 

VII— Apr.  30- Oct.  i,  1808. 

62— Statistic  on  Europe  by  a  German. 

380— The  Kiss.    From  the  German  of  Gerstenberg. 
VIII-Oct.  29,  i8o8-Apr.  8,  1809. 

152— German  Impostor. 

Gleaner. — Lancaster   (Penn.). 

I-Sept.  i8o8-May  1809. 

78 — The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland.  By  James  Montgomery.  [A  long 
poem,  continued  from  number  to  number.  Cf.  p.  175.] 

Boston  Mirror. — Boston. 

I— Oct.  22,  1808- Oct.  14,  1809. 

No.  14 — [Mention  of  Klopstock's  use  of  hexameters  in  his  "Messiah."] 

No.  17 — The  Ruling  Passion  of  the  Late  King  of  Prussia. 

No.  21 — Anecdote   [of  the  King  of  Prussia]. 

No.  30 — Rembrandt  (van  Rhin). 

No.  50— A  Comparison  of  "The  Wanderer  of  Switzerland"  with  a  poem 

called  Tid  Re  I. 
II— Oct.  21,  iSog-July  21,  1810. 

15— Boston  Theatre.  On  Monday  evening,  Oct.  30,  will  be  presented  a 
much  admired  Tragedy  in  three  acts,  called  "Werter;  or  the  Fatal 
Attachment."  Taken  from  the  popular  German  tale  called  Charlotte  and 
Werter,  and  performed  at  Covent  Garden  Theatre,  London,  with  great 
applause.  [The  cast  follows.] 

68 — Anecdote  of  Prince  Louis  Ferdinand,  of  Prussia. 

85 — Biographical. — Hayden. 

156— Life  of  Mozart. 

II— 1800  Amer.  Mag.  of  Wonders.— N.  Y. 

159— Extraordinary  Heroism  of  the  Antient  Scandinavians. 

Thespian  Monitor.— Phila. 
I — No.  i.    Nov.  25,  1809. 

8— Pizarro;  or  the  Spaniards  in  Peru.  (Kotzebue.)  Translator— R.  B. 
Sheridan. 

Select  Reviews.— Phila. 
I — Jan. -June  1809. 

119— Sketches  of  Vienna. 

151 — Vie  du  Comte  de  Munnich.    Life  of  Count  de  Munnich,  general  Field 

Marshal  in  the  service  of  Russia.    A  free  trans,  from  the  German  of 

Gerard  Anthoine  de  Halem.— Paris.     [Book  notice.] 
361 — Voyage  en  Pologne  et  en  Allemagne  fait  en  1793  par  un  Lovonien. 

1808.     [Notice.] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  213 

397— Leontine  de  Blondheim,  &c.    By  Augustus   Kotzebue.    Trans,    (into 

French)  from  the  German  with  notes  by  H.  L.  C.    3  vols.    London  1808 

[Notice.] 

II— July- Dec.  1809. 
370— A  Cursory  View  of  Prussia,  from  the  Death  of  Frederick  II  to  the 

Peace  of  Tilsit. 
Ill— Jan. -June  1810. 
132— An  Icelandick  Tour. 

180— Romantic  Tales  by  M.  G.  Lewis  1804.     [Notice.     Cf.  p.  32.] 
361 -Voyage  dans  le  Tyrol,  etc.,  i.  e.     A  Tour  in  the  Tyrol,  to  the  Salt 

Mines  of  Salzburg  and  of  Reichenall,  and  through  Part  of  Bavaria.    By 

Chevalier  de  Bray.     Paris  1808.     [Notice.] 

Quarterly  Rev.— London  printed;  N.  Y.  reprinted. 
IV— Aug. -Nov.   1810. 

61— The  Daughters  of  Isenberg:  A  Bavarian  Romance.  By  Alicia  Tindal 
Palmer.  4  vols.  London.  [Critique.] 

I-Jan.-June  1809.  Ordeal.- Boston. 

266— Austrian  and  French  Troops. 

289,  etc.— The  Rovers,  or  the  Double  Arraignment.  "  The  scene  lies  in  the 
town  of  Weimar,  and  the  neighbourhood  of  the  abbey  of  Quedlinburgh. 
Time,  from  the  I2th  to  the  present  century."  [In  the  next  number  this 
play  is  referred  to  as  "  the  imitation  of  the  German  drama,  which  we  pre 
sented  in  our  .last  number."] 

382 — The  Austrians  in  Arms. 

Visitor.— Richmond. 
I— Feb.  ii,  1809 -Jan.  27,  1810. 
62— The  Prince  of  Hesse  and  the  Gray  Ass. 
181  — Swedenburg. 

Omnium  Gatherum.— Boston. 
I— Nov.  1809 -Oct.  1810. 
32— Hans  Holbein,  the  celebrated  painter. 
67— Curious  account  of  the  village  of  Broek  in  Westfriesland. 
502— Odd  Funeral  Ceremonies  of  the  Prussians. 

No.  4.     [1809.]  Rambler's  Mag.-N.  Y. 

54— Sketch  of  the  Life  of  Mozart,  the  Composer. 

Mirror  of  Taste  and  Dramatic  Censor.— Phila. 
I— Jan. -June  1810. 

-  Emilia  Galotti,  a  Tragedy.  Trans,  from  the  German  of  G.  E.  Lessing 
by  Miss  Fanny  Holcroft.  Published  by  Bradford  and  Inskeep,  Phila.,  1810. 
[The  translation  bound  at  end  of  Jan.  number.] 


214       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

II- July -Dec.  1810. 
0,5 — The  Life  of  Lessing,  Author  of  Emilia  Gallotti,  a  Tragedy  which  will 

appear  in  a  future  number. 
204— Remarks   on  Emilia   Galotti;   the   Tragedy  which   accompanies   this 

number,  by  Thomas  Holcroft. 
221— History  of  the  Stage.     Chap.  VIII.     German  Theatre. 

The  Quarterly  Rev.— London  printed;  N.  Y.  reprinted. 

II  (Aug. -Nov.  1809) -N.  Y.  1810. 

118— An   Historical    Survey   of   the    Ecclesiastical    Antiquities    of    France, 

with  a  View  to  illustrate  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  Gothic  Architecture  in 

Europe.    By  G.  D.  Whittington.— Cambridge  1809.     [Review.] 
278— Travelling  Sketches  in  Russia  and  Sweden,  during  the  years  1805-08. 

By  Robert  Ker  Porter.    London  1809.     [Review.] 
338— William  Tell,  or   Swisserland   delivered.    By   Chevalier   de  Florian, 

&c.    Trans,   from  the  French.    By   Wm.    B.    Hewetson.    London   1809. 

[Review.] 

IV  (Aug.-Nov.  1810)— N.  Y.  1810. 
61— The  Daughters  of  Isenberg:    A  Bavarian  Romance.    By  Alicia  Tindal 

Palmer.    4  vols.    London.     [Critique.] 

Harvard  Lyceum. — Cambridge. 

I— July  14,  i8io-Mar.  9,  1811. 
264— German  Scholars. 


V. 
LIST    OF   MAGAZINES    EXAMINED. 


The  principal  libraries  where  the  work  for  the  present  study  has  been  done 
are:  in  Philadelphia— The  Philadelphia  Library  (including  the  Ridgway 
Branch),  the  Mercantile  Library,  the  libraries  of  the  University  of  Penn 
sylvania,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society,  and  of  the  American 
Philosophical  Society;  in  Boston— the  Boston  Public  Library,  the  Atheneum 
Library  and  the  library  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society;  in  Cam 
bridge — the  library  of  Harvard  University ;  in  New  York  City — the  New  York 
Public  Library  (including  the  Lenox  Branch),  the  libraries  of  the  New  York 
Historical  Society,  of  the  New  York  Society,  and  of  Columbia  University; 
in  Baltimore — the  libraries  of  the  Peabody  Institute,  of  the  Maryland  His 
torical  Society  and  of  Johns  Hopkins  University,  and  the  Pratt  Library;  in 
Washington — the  Library  of  Congress,  and  in  London — the  library  of  the 
British  Museum.  Some  of  the  smaller  libraries  visited,  which  contain  only 
duplicates  of  periodicals  accessible  elsewhere,  have  been  omitted  from  the 
above  list. 

The  American  Mag.,  or  a  Monthly  View  of  the  Political  State  of  the  British 

Colonies. — Phila. 

Nos.  1-3.    Jan.,  Feb.,  Mar.  1741. 

[Edited  by  John  Webbe  and  printed  by  Andrew  Bradford.] 
The  General  Mag.  and  Historical  Chronicle  for  all  the  British  Plantations  in 

America. — Phila. 
I,  Jan. -June  1741. 
[Edited  and  printed  by  Benjamin  Franklin.] 

The  Boston  Weekly  Mag.— Boston. 
Nos.  1-3,  Mar.  2,  9,  16,  1743. 

Amer.  Mag.  and  Historical  Chronicle.— Boston. 

I -III,  Sept.  1 743 -Dec.  1746. 

The  Independent  Reflector,  or  Weekly  Essays  on  Sundry  Important  Subjects. 
-N.  Y. 

Nos.  1-52,  Nov.  30,  1 752 -Nov.  22,  1753. 

The  Occasional  Reverberator.— N.  Y. 

Nos.  1-4,  Sept.  7- Oct.  5,  1753- 

215 


2l6       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  Amer.  Mag.  and  Monthly  Chronicle  for  the  British  Colonies  in  America. 

By  a  Society  of  Gentlemen.— Phila. 
I,  Oct.  1757 -Oct.  1758. 

The  New  Amer.  Mag.— Woodbridge  in  New  Jersey. 
Nos.  I -XXVII,  Jan.  1758- Mar.  1760. 

The  New  England  Mag.— Boston. 
Nos.  1-2,  Aug.  1758. 

Universal  Amer.  Almanack,  or  Yearly  Mag. — Phila. 
I,  1764- 

The  Penny-post. — Phila. 

Jan.  9-27,  1769.  % 

[A  literary  periodical.] 

The  Amer.  Mag.;  to  which  are  added  the  transactions  of  the  American  Philo 
sophical  Society.— Phila. 
Jan. -Sept.  1769. 

[Nine  numbers  only  were  published.     Cf.  Sabin,  Dictionary  of  Books  re 
lating  to  America,  1-142.] 

The  Censor.— Boston. 

I,  Nos.  1-17;  II,  Nos.  1-7;  Nov.  23,  1771 — May  2,  1772. 
[Replies  to  attacks  upon  Tory  officers  by  the  Whigs.] 

The  Royal  Amer.  Mag.— Boston. 

Jan. -Dec.  1774;  Jan. -Feb.  1775. 

Penna.  Mag.— Phila. 

I,  1775;  II,  Jan.- June  1776. 

U.  S.  Mag.- Phila. 

A  Repository  of  History,  Politics  and  Literature. 
I,  Jan. -July;  Sept. -Oct.  1779. 

The   Boston  Mag.,   containing  a  collection   of   instructive   and   entertaining 

essays.— Boston. 
I -III,  Oct.  1783 -Dec.  1786. 

The  Gentleman  and  Lady's  Town  and  Country  Mag.,  or  Repository  of  In 
struction  and  Entertainment. — Boston. 
May -Dec.  1784. 

The  Gentlemen  and  Ladies'  Town  and  Country  Mag.— Boston. 
I,  Feb.  1789- Jan.  1790;  II,  Feb.,  Apr. -Aug.  1790. 

The  Arminian  Mag.— Phila. 

I -II,  1789-1790. 

[Chiefly  religious,  "  consisting  of  extracts  and  original  treatises  on  general 
redemption."] 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  217 

The  N.  J.  Mag.  and  Monthly  Advertiser.— New  Brunswick.    1786. 
The  New  Haven  Gazette  and  Connecticut  Mag. — New  Haven. 

I,  Feb.  1 6,  1786 -Feb.  15,  1787. 

Ill,  Nos.  1-50,  Jan.  lo-Dec.  18,  1788.     [No.  i,  imperfect] 

[II,  Nos.  1-45,  Feb.  22-Dec.  27,  1787  Jn  nerl 

I   (imperfect),  Nov.  n,  i784-APr.  7,  1785  \ 

The  Worcester  Mag.— Worcester,  Mass. 

I -IV,  First  Week  in  Apr.  1786— Fourth  Week  in  Mar.  1788. 

Columbian  Mag.  or  Monthly  Miscellany.— Phila. 

I-V,  Sept.  1786 -Dec.  1790. 

Continued  as 
Universal  Asylum  and  Columbian  Mag.— Phila. 

I -II,  1791;  I -II,  1792. 

Continued  as 

Columbian  Museum  or  Universal  Asylum. — Phila. 

Part  I,  Jan. -June  1793. 

The  Amer.  Museum  or  Repository  of  Ancient  and  Modern  Fugitive  Pieces, 
Prose  and  Poetical.— Phila. 

I -XII,  1787-1792;  XIII,  1798. 

The  Amer.  Mag.,  containing  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  original  and  other 
valuable  essays,  in  prose  and  verse,  and  calculated  both  for  instruction 
and  amusement. — N.  Y. 
Dec.  1 787 -Nov.  1788. 

Mass.  Mag.  or  Monthly  Museum.— Boston. 

I -VI,  1789-1794;  VII,  Nos.  4,  7,  17955  VIII,  Nos.  i,  3-12,  1796. 
The  Christian's,  Scholar's  and  Farmer's  Mag.— Elizabeth-Town,  N.  J. 

I -II,  Apr.  1789 -Mar.  1791. 

The  N.  Y.  Mag.  or  Lit.  Repository. -N.  Y. 

[II,  Nos.  1-45,  Feb.  22-Dec.  27,  1787 
The  Amer.  Apollo.— Boston. 
I,  Jan.  6 -Sept.  28,  1792. 

[II-III,  Oct.  5,  1792-Dec.  25,  1794.    A  newspaper.] 
The  Prompter;  or  a  Commentary  on  Common  Sayings  and  Subjects,  which 

are  full  of  Common  Sense,  the  best  Sense  in  the  World.— Boston. 
Nos.  1-28,  1792. 
The  Lady's  Mag.  and  Repository  of  Entertaining  Knowledge.— Phila. 

I,  June  1792 -May  1793. 
Curiosities  of  Literature  consisting  of  anecdotes,  characters  and  observations, 

literary,  critical  and  historical. 
London  printed;  Phila.  reprinted  and  sold.    1793-     [A  miscellany.] 


21 8       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

U.  S.  Mag.  or  General  Repository  of  Useful  Instruction  and  Rational  Amuse 
ment.— Newark,  N.  J. 
I,  Apr. -Aug.  1794. 

The  Monthly  Miscellany,  or  Vermont  Mag.— Benington. 
I,  Apr. -Sept.  1794. 

The  Rural  Mag.  or  Vermont  Repository.— Rutland. 

I -II,  I79S-I796. 
The  Amer.  Monthly  Review,  or  Lit.  Journal.— Phila. 

I -III,  1795- 

The  Weekly  Museum.- N.  Y. 

VII -IX,  Jan.  3,  1795 -Dec.  31,  1796- 

Phila.  Minerva.— Phila. 

I -IV,  Feb.  7,  1795-  July  7,  1798. 

The  Tablet.— Boston. 

I,  Nos.  1-13,  May  19- Aug.  11,  1795. 
The  N.  Y.  Weekly  Mag.,  or  Miscellaneous  Repository.— N.  Y. 

I -II,  July  i,  1795 -June  28,  1797. 

The  Monthly  Military  Repository. -N.  Y. 
I -II,  1796-1797. 

Miscellanies.— Moral  and   Instructive   in    Prose   and   Verse,   collected   from 
Various  Authors  for  the  Use  of  Schools  .  .  .  Second  Burlington  Edi 
tion.     1796. 
The  Nightingale,  or,  A  Melange  de  Litterature.    A  Periodical  Publication. 

— Boston. 

I,  May -Aug.  1796. 
The  Lady  and  Gentleman's  Pocket  Mag.  of  Literary  and  Polite  Amusement. 

-N.  Y. 
I,  Aug. -Nov.  1796. 

The  Lit.  Museum,  or  Monthly  Mag.— West  Chester. 
Jan. -June  1797. 

The  Amer.  Universal  Mag.— Phila. 
I -IV,  Jan.  2,  1797 -Mar.  7,  1798. 

The  Amer.  Moral  and  Sentimental  Mag.— N.  Y. 

I,  July  3,  1 797 -May  21,  1798. 

The  Phila.  Monthly  Mag.  or  Universal  Repository  of  Knowledge  and  En 
tertainment.  —  Phila. 

I -II,  Jan. -Sept.  1798. 
Amer.  Museum  or  Annual  Register.— Phila.  1798. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  219 

The  Key.— Frederick  Town. 

Nos.  1-27,  Jan.  13 -July  7,  I79& 

[Sabin:   "The  earliest  periodical  issued  in  Maryland.    Twenty-seven  num 
bers  were  published.     Cf.  Hist.  Mag.,  I -317."] 
The  Gleaner,  a  miscellaneous  production  in  three  volumes.    By  Constantia 

[Mrs.  Judith  Sargent  Murray].— Boston. 
I -III,  all  dated  Feb.  1798. 

The  Weekly  Mag.  of  Original  Essays,  Fugitive  Pieces,  and  Interesting  Intelli 
gence. —  Phila. 
I -IV,  Feb.  3,  1798- May  25,  1799. 

The  Rural  Mag.— Newark. 

I,  Feb.  17,  1 798 -Feb.  9,  1799- 

The  Dessert  to  the  True  American.— [Phila.] 

I,  July  14,  1798-July  3,  1799- 
[Title  of  first  number :   The  Desert.'} 

The  Phila.  Mag.  or  Monthly  Review.— Phila. 
I,  Jan. -June  1799. 

National  Mag.,  or  a  political,  historical,  biographical  and  literary  repository. 
I,  Nos.  1-4,  23rd  year  of  American  Independence.     1799 — [Richmond.] 
II,  No.  5,  24th  year  of  Amer.  Independence;  no  place  of  publ. 
Nos.  6-7,  25th  year  [sic]  of  Amer.  Independence.     1800. 
No.  6,  Richmond,  Va. ;  No.  7,  District  of  Columbia. 
No.  8,  no  place  of  publ.,  and  no  date. 

The  Monthly  Mag.  and  Amer.  Review.— N.  Y. 
I -III,  Apr.  1799 -Dec.  1800. 

Child  of  Pallas.    Devoted  mostly  to  Belles  Lettres.— Balto. 

I,  Nos.  1-8,  1800. 
The  Columbian  Phenix  and  Boston  Review.— Boston. 

I,  Jan. -July  1800. 

[Title  page  reads :   "  Vol.  I  for  1800."] 
The  Ladies'  Museum.— Phila. 

I,  Nos.  1-14  (except  Nos.  7,  n,  13),  Mar.  8- June  7,  1800. 

Feb.  25,  1800— Proposals  for  printing  the  Ladies'  Museum. 

The  Baltimore  Weekly  Mag.— Balto. 
Apr.  26,  1800- May  27,  1801. 

The  Phila.  Repository  and  Weekly  Register.— Phila. 
I-V,  Nov.  15,  1800- June  29,  1805. 

The  Port  Folio.— Phila. 

I-V,  1801-1805.    I -VI,  1806-1808.    I-IV,  1809-1810. 


220  TRANSLATIONS   OF  GERMAN   POETRY 

The  Lady's  Mag.  and  Musical  Repository.— N.  Y. 
I -III,  Jan.  i8oi-June  1802. 

The  Amer.  Review  and  Lit.  Journal.-N.  Y. 
I -II,  1801-1802. 

The  Repository  of  Knowledge,  Historical,  Literary,  Miscellaneous,  and  Theo 
logical. —  Phila. 

I,  Nos.  1-2.    Apr.,  May  [?]  1801. 

Holcombe's  Georgia  Analytical  Repository.— Savannah. 

II,  1802. 

The  Juvenile  Mag.  or  Miscellaneous  Repository  of  Useful  Information.— Phila. 
II,  1802;  III,  1803;  IV,  1802  [1804  ?]. 

The  Balance  and  Columbian  Repository.— Hudson  (New  York). 
I -VII,  1802-1808. 

The  New  England  Quarterly  Mag.,   comprehending  literature,   morals,   and 

amusement. — Boston. 
Nos.  1-3,  Apr. -Dec.  1802. 

The  Weekly  Visitor,  or  Ladies'  Miscellany.- N.  Y. 

I,  Oct.  9,  1802 -Apr.  2,  1803. 

The  Boston  Weekly  Mag.  devoted  to  Morality,  Literature,  Biography,  His 
tory,  the  Fine  Arts,  Agriculture,  etc.— Boston. 
I -III,  Oct.  30,  1802 -Oct.  19,  1805. 

The  Mirror.- Phila. 

I -II,  1803. 
[The  Mirror,  Nos.  i-iio,  Jan.  23,  1779 -May  27,  1780,  Edinburgh.] 

The  Connoisseur.— Phila. 

I -IV,  1803. 
[Reprint  of  Select  English  Classics,  XXVII -XXX,  London  1775,  etc.] 

The  Mass.  Missionary  Mag.— Salem. 
I-V,  May  1803 -May  1808. 

The  Lit.  Mag.  and  Amer.  Register.— Phila. 
I -VIII,  Oct.  1803 -Dec.  1807. 

The  Monthly  Anthology  and  Boston  Review.— Boston. 
I -IX,  1804-1810. 

The  Corrector.    By  Toby  Tickler.— N.  Y. 

Nos.  i-io,  Mar.  28 -Apr.  26,  1804. 
[Classed  as  a  newspaper,  but  more  like  a  magazine.] 

The  Lit.  Tablet.-Hanover  (N.  H.). 

II,  Nos.  I,  6-10,  13.    Sept.  19,  i8o4-Mar.  6,  1805. 

III,  Sept.  25,  1805 -Aug.  13,  1806. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  221 

Weekly  Monitor.— Phila. 

I,  Nos.  17,  21,  23.    Oct.  6-Nov.  17,  1804. 

The  Companion  Weekly  Miscellany.— Balto. 
I -II,  Nov.  3,  1 804 -Oct.  25,  1806. 

The  Evening  Fireside;  or  Weekly  Intelligence  in  Civil,  Natural,  Moral,  Liter 
ary  and  Religious  Worlds. — Phila. 
I -II,  Dec.  7,  i8o4-Dec.  27,  1806. 
[Title  of  Vol.  II:    The  Evening  Fireside  or  Literary  Miscellany.} 

The  Lit.  Miscellany,  including  dissertations  and  essays  on  subjects  of  litera 
ture,  science,  and  morals  .  .  .  with  occasional  reviews.— Cambridge. 
I -II,  1805-1806. 

The  Monthly  Register  and  Review  of  the  U.  S.— Charleston,  S.  C.  and  N.  Y. 
I -IV,  Jan.  1805 -Dec.  1807. 

The  Apollo,  or  Weekly  Lit.  Mag.— Wilmington,  D. 
I,  Nos.  2- 1 1,  17,  19,  Feb.  23 -June  22,  1805. 

The  Norfolk  Repository,  devoted  to  News,  Politics,  Morals  and  Polite  Litera 
ture. — Dedham,  Mass. 
I -III,  May  14,  1805 -Nov.  29,  1808. 

The  Panoplist,  or  the  Christian's  Armory.— Boston. 
I -III,  June  1805 -May   1808. 

IV- VI,  June  i8o8-May  1811.     [Entitled:    The  Panoplist  and  Mission 
ary  Mag.  United.} 

The  Miscellany.— Trenton. 

I,  June  24 -Nov.  25,  1805  [imperfect]. 

The  Boston  Mag.— Boston. 

I,  Oct.  26,  1805 -Apr.  26,  1806. 
[A  continuation  of  The  Boston  Weekly  Mag.~\ 

The  Polyanthos.— Boston. 

I-V,  Dec.  1805 -July  1807. 

The  Theatrical  Censor.    By  an  American.— Phila. 
Nos.  1-17,  Dec.  9,  1805 -Mar.  3,  1806. 

The  Weekly  Visitant.— Salem. 
I,   1806. 

The  Thespian  Mirror.- N.  Y. 
I,  Nos.  2,  3- Jan.  4,  11,  1806. 

The  Emerald. — Boston. 

I -II,  n.  s.  I,  May  3,  1806- Oct.  15,  1808. 

The  Weekly  Inspector.- N.  Y. 

I-II  (imperfect),  Sept.  6,  i8o6-Aug.  3,  1807. 


222       TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 

The  Theatrical  Censor  and  Critical  Miscellany. — Phila. 
Nos.  I -XIII,  Sept.  27 -Dec.  13,  1806. 

The  Lancaster  Repository.— Lancaster. 

I,  Nos.  15-19,  Nov.  15 -Dec.  13,  1806. 

The  Observer,  and  Repertory  of  Original  and  Selected  Essays,  in  Verse  and 

Prose,  on  Topics  of  Polite  Literature,  &c. — Balto. 
I-II,  Nov.  29,  i8o6-Dec.  26,  1807. 

The  Amer.  Register  or  General  Repository  of  History,  Politics  and  Science. 

-Phila. 
I- VII,  for  1806-1810.     Printed  1807-1811. 

A  Book.    A  Periodical  Work.-N.  Y. 
[pp.  I -20],  1807. 

Salmagundi.- N.  Y. 

I-II,  Feb.  4,  1807 -Jan.  25,  1808. 

The  Pastime.— Schenectady. 

I,  Nos.  1-18,  Feb.  21 -Aug.  I,  1807. 

II,  Nos.  1-2,  May  14,  21,  1808. 

Spectacles.— Balto. 

I,  Nos.  6,  7,  25,  28 — June  13,  20,  Oct.  31,  Nov.  21,  1807. 

The  Thistle.    An  Original  Work.— Boston. 
I,  No.  i,  Aug.  4,  1807. 

The  Lady's  Weekly  Miscellany.— N.  Y. 

V,  Nos.  44-46,  49,  Aug.  29-Oct.  3,  1807. 

VII -VIII  (imperfect),  Apr.  30,  1808- Apr.  8,  1809. 

The  Wonderful  Mag.  and  Extraordinary  Museum.— Carlisle,  Pa. 
I,  1808. 

Charms  of  Literature,  consisting  of  an  assemblage  of  curious,  and  interest 
ing  Pieces  in  Prose  and  Verse. — Trenton. 
1808. 

The  Washington  Expositor.— Washington  City. 
I,  1808. 

The  Eye:    By  Obadiah  Optic.— Phila. 
I,  Jan.  7 -June  30,  1808. 

The  Lit.  Mirror.— Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

I  (imperfect),  Feb.  20,  i8o8-Feb.  u,  1809. 

The  Argus  of  Western  America. — Frankfort  (Ken.). 
I,  Nos.  9,  n,  13 — Mar.  24,  Apr.  7,  21,  1808. 

The  Gleaner,  or  Monthly  Mag. — Lancaster  (Penn.). 
I-II,  Nos.  1-3,  Sept.  i8o8-Nov.  1809. 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES.  223 

Boston  Mirror.— Boston. 

I -II,  Nos.  i,  2,  4-40.     Oct.  22,  1808- July  21,  1810. 

The  Amer.  Mag.  of  Wonders.— N.  Y. 

I-II,  1809. 
The  Thespian  Monitor  and  Dramatick  Miscellany.— Phila. 

I,  No.  i,  1809. 
Select  Reviews  and  Spirit  of  the  Foreign  Magazines.— Phila. 

I-IV,  1809-1810. 
The  Adviser  or  Vermont  Evangelical  Mag.— Middlebury. 

I-II,  1809-1810. 
The  Ordeal.— A  Critical  Journal  of  Politics  and  Literature.— Boston. 

I,  Jan. -June  1809. 

The  Visitor.— Richmond. 

I-II,  Feb.  n,  1809 -Aug.  4,  1810. 

Omnium  Gatherum.— Boston. 

I,  Nov.  1809 -Oct.  1810. 
Something.    Ed.  by  Nemo  Nobody,  Esq.— Boston. 

I,  Nov.  18,  1809- May  12,  1810. 

The  Rambler's  Mag.  and  N.  Y.  Theatrical  Register  for  the  Season  1809-1810. 
-N.  Y. 

I,  Nos.  1-3;  II,  No.  4-     [Sabin:  "  (1809)."] 
The  Quarterly  Review.— London  printed;  N.  Y.  reprinted. 

I-IV  (Feb.  1809- Nov.  1810).— N.  Y.  1810. 

The  Hive,  or  a  Collection  of  Thoughts  on  Civil,  Moral,   Sentimental   and 
Religious  Subjects,  Intended  as  a  Repository  of  Sententious,  Ingenious 
and  Pertinent  Sayings  in  Verse  and  Prose.— Hartford.     1810. 
The  Mirror  of  Taste  and  Dramatic  Censor.— Phila. 

I-II,  1810. 
The  Phila.  Repertory,  devoted  to  Literature  and  useful  Intelligence.— Phila. 

I,  May  5,  i8io-Apr.  27,  1811. 

The  Harvard  Lyceum.— Cambridge. 
I,  July  14,  i8io-Mar.  9,  1811. 


INDEX. 


[Reprints  indicated  by  heavy  type.] 


A  Dutch  Proverb,  xai,  138 

A  Fable  (Gellert),  28 

A  General  View  of  Switzerland,  etc., 

136 

A  German  Drinking  Song,  70 
A  Hist,  of  Amer.  Lit.  (M.  C.  Tyler), 

ii 


A  Humble  Imitation,  etc.,  155 

Kit 
Prussia's  Ode,  18,  105 


A  literal  translation  'of  the  King  of 


A  Sketch  of  the  Alps,  etc.,  158 

A  Song  (Frederick),  18 

A  Sonnet  (Jacobi),  68,  85 

Adams,  C.  F.,  3 

Adams,  J.  Q.,  2,  3,  204 

Address  at  the  Opening  of  the  Bech- 

stein  Library  (M.  D.  Learned),  2 
"  Adelio,"  5,  16,  65,  66 
Against  Faustus,  18,  155 
Albert  of  Werdendorff,  154 
Allston,  Washington,  188 
Almanacs,  6,  n 
Ambrosio  or  the  Monk  (M.  G.  Lewis), 

5,  35,  140,  146 
American   Mag.;   or   Monthly   View, 

etc.,  14 

American  Museum,  8 
American    Philosophical    Society,    9, 

215 

American  Revolution,  18 
Americana  Germanica,  i,  3 
Aminta  (Gessner),  58 
Amyntas   [«]    (Gessner),  25 
Amyntas  [/3]    (Gessner),  35 
Annandius,  95,  99 
Apparitionist,  The    (Schiller's  Geist- 

erseher),  4 
Appointment  Disappointed,  177 

Bacchanalian,  The,  22 

Bancroft,  George,  3 

Battle  of  Hohenlinden,  cf.  On  the 
Battle  of  Hohenlinden. 

Benevolence  (Gellert),  17,  30,  58,  65 

Benjamin  Franklin  as  a  Man  of  Let 
ters  (J.  B.  McMaster),  14 

Berlin,  University  of,  3 

Boston  Public  Library,  9,  215 

15  225 


Bradford,  Andrew,  13 

British  Museum,   17,  215 

Broken  Pitcher,  The  (Gessner),  32 

Bruggeman,  L.  W.,  17 

Biirde,  5,  20,  63 

Burger,  5,   18,   19,  20,  29,  31,  32,  34, 

44,  68,  76,  80,  85,  146,  165,  169 
Burlesque   on  the   Style,   etc.,   5,   18, 

143,  146 
By    the   Late    King   of   Prussia,    cf. 

Relaxation  of  War. 

Campbell,  Thomas,  vii,  6,  75,  153,  171, 

180 

Carlyle,  I 

Carnation,  The  (Gessner),  75 
Carr's  Northern  Summer,  161 
Channing,  Geo.  D.,  I 
Channing.  W.  E.,  i,  17 
Characteristic  Sketch,  etc.,  128 
Charlotte  at  the  Tomb  of  Werter,  19, 

181 

Charlotte's  Soliloquy,  etc.,  5,  19,  125 
Chase,     The     (Burger),    Trans,    by 

Scott,  5,  34,  76 
Check-list    of    American    Magazines, 

etc.  (P.  L.  Ford),  8 
Claudine  von   Villa  Bella   (Goethe), 

20,  80 

Cloud  King,  The,  18,  19,  140,  146 
Cogan's,  Dr.,  Travels  on  the  Rhine,  71 
Coleridge,  i 
Col  Iyer,  Mary,  58 
Cooper,  J.  F.,  3 
Cow  Boy's  Chaunt  (Ranz  des  Vach- 

es),  19,  180 

Cramer,  William,  cf.  Creamer,  Wm. 
Creamer  (or  Cramer),  William,  i 

Damon  and  Daphne  (Gessner),  51 
Dancing  Bear,  The  (Gellert),  57,  161 
Daphne-Chloe,  cf.  First  Idyl  of  Ges- 

ner. 

Death  of  Abel  (Gessner),  4,  20 
Death  of  Werter,  19,  126 
Descent  of  Odin,  128,  175 
Dictionary    of     Books     Relating    to 

America  (Sabin),  216,  219,  223 


226 


TRANSLATIONS   OF   GERMAN   POETRY 


Die  Leiden  des  jungen  Werthers 
(Goethe),  19,  24 

Die  Zauberlote  (Mozart's  Zauber- 
flote),  75,  85 

Dunlap,  W.,  27 

Dwight,  Henry  E.,  3 

Early  Influence  of  German  Litera 
ture  in  America  (F.  H.  Wilkens), 
3 

Earth's  Division,  The,  17 

Ella,  130,  136 

Ellenore,  cf.  Leonora  [a],  32 

Emerson,  3 

Emilia   Galotti   (Lessing),  Trans,  by 

Fanny  Holycroft,  4 
England,  viii,  I,  3,  4,  14,  IQ,  20,  76 
Epigrams  (Lessing),  71 
Epitaph  by  Haller,  21 
Erl-King,  The   (Goethe),  vii,  5,   18, 

20,  34,  35,  HO 
Erl-King's  Daughter,  The,  5,  18,  35, 

140 

Everett,  A.  H.,  3 
Everett,  Edward,  i,  2 

Fable  (Gellert),  27 

Fables  et  Contes  (Gellert),  17 

Faust,  13,  18,  155 

Fire  King,  The,  18,  19,  140,  146 

First  Idyl  of  Gesner — Daphne-Chloe, 

Fly,  The  (Gellert),  54 

Pollen,  Karl,  i 

Ford,  P.  L.,  8 

Foreign  Influence  upon  Education  m 

the  U.  S.  (B.  A.  Hinsdale),  2 
Foreign  Poetical,  Political  Summary, 

170 

Forget  Me  Not,  82 
Fowler,  The    (Schickaneder),  75,  85 
Franklin,  Benjamin,  2,  13,  14 
Frederick  and  Alice  (Goethe),  20,  80 
Frederick,  the  Great,   16,   18,  96,  99, 

101,  105,  106,  109,  no,  112,  113, 

116, 117, 119, 121, 138,  140,  158, 161 
Friendship,  36 
From  the  German,  56 
From  the  German  of  Gesner,  81 
From  the  German  of  Lessing,  73 
From  the  Runic,  173 

Galleret,  cf.  Gellert. 

Geisterseher  (Schiller),  4 

Gellert,  i,  5,  16,  17,  19,  20,  27,  28,  30, 

54,  56,  57,  58,  65,  161 
General  Magazine,  The,  13 


German  as   a   Culture   Element,   etc. 

(M.  D.  Learned),  3 
German   Influence,   The,    on    Samuel 

Taylor  Coleridge  (J.  L.  Haney), 

i 
German     Instruction     in     American 

Schools  (L.  Viereck),  2 
German  Lit.  in  Eng.  before  1790  (J. 

L.  Haney),  I 
Germany,  vii,  i,  2,  3,  6,  14,  15,  17,  IQ, 

153,  155,  IQI 
Gessner,  4,  5,  16,  17,  19,  20,  21,  25,  27, 

29,  32,  35,  36,  39,  4i,  43,  5i,  58,  61, 

65,  73,  75,  80,  81,  85 
Goethe,  i,  5,  13,  17,  19,  20,  23,  24,  34, 

80 

Golden  Verse  of  Pythagoras,  6 
Gothic  Castle,  The,  138 
Gottingen,  University  of,  i,  2,  3 
Gottingische  Anzeigen,  2 
Gray,  Thomas,  vii,  18,  128,  159,  175 
Grim,  King  of  the  Ghosts,  18,  152 
Guardian   Spirit,  The    (Matthisson), 

67 

Haller,  5,  16,  20,  21,  25,  27,  78 
Haney,  John  L.,  I 
Hans  Letter  to  Notchie,  151 
Harvard  University,  I,  3,  215 
Haunting    of    Havardur,    cf.    Runic 

Ode. 

Hawkesworth,  Dr.,  121,  161 
Heidelberg,  University  of,  3 
Helmuth,  J.  H.  C,  2 
Herbert,  Mr.,  77 
Herder,  35,  140 

Hermann  und  Dorothea  (Goethe),  13 
Herzfeld,  Georg,  i,  20 
Hinsdale,  B.  A.,  2 
Historic    Survey  of   German    Poetry 

(Taylor),  29,  32 
Hoffnung  ("Adelio"),  16,  65 
Holcroft,  Fanny,  4 
Hooper,  W.,  25,  29,  35,  65,  73,  75 
Hope  ("Adelio"),  66 
Hopkinson,  Francis,  i,  17,  194 
Hrim  Thor;  or  the  Winter  King,  18, 

152 

Idyls  (Gessner),  4,  5,  16,  20 
Invitation  to  Joy,  59 

-  Jacobi,  5,  20,  68,  85 
James,  E,  J.,  2 
Journal   of  a  Tour   through   Silesia 

(J.  Q.  Adams),  2,  204 
Kiampe  Viiser,  35 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES. 


227 


King   of    Prussia,   cf.    Frederick   the 

Great. 

King  of  Prussia's  Ode,  18,  109 
Klopstock,  i,  4,  5,  6,  20,  66,  75 
Kotzebue,  5,  20,  64 
Krummacher,  15,  16 
Kunze,  J.  C,  2 

Ladd,  Dr.,  125,  128,  130 

Lass  of  Fair  Wone,  The    (Burger), 

29,  32,  80 

Learned,  M.  D.,  2,  3 
Leftly,  C,  163,  170 
Leiden,    Die,    des    jungen    Werthers 

(Goethe),  cf.  Werter. 
Lenore    (Burger),    cf.    Leonora,    19, 

146 
Leonora     [a]     (Burger),     trans,     by 

Wm.  Taylor,  5,  19,  32,  34 
Leonora  [/3]   (Burger),  44 
Leonora   [y]    (Burger),  68 
Lessing,  i,  4,  5,  19,  20,  33,  60,  71,  73 
Letter  LXI  of  the  Sorrows  of  Werter 

Versified,  16,  19,  23 
Letters  of  Charlotte,  The,  19 
Lewis,  M.  G.,  vii,  5,  15,  32,  34,  35,  80, 

140,  146,  147,  152,  154,  162 
Library  of  Congress,  9,  215 
Literary  Hist,  of  the  Amer.  Revolu 
tion  (M.  C.  Tyler),  10 
Literary  Industry  of  the  Germans,  17 
Longfellow,  3 
Lycas  (Gessner),  36 

McMaster,  J.  B.,  14 

Matthisson,  5,  20,  29,  67 

Memoirs  of  John  Quincy  Adams  (C. 

F.  Adams),  3 

Messiah  (Klopstock),  4,  5,  66 
Mirtil  and  Thirsis  (Gessner),  21 
Miscellanies,  7 
Monk,  The,  cf.  Ambrosio. 
Montgomery,  James,  76,  163,  169,  175, 

176 

Monthly  Review  (London),  3 
Morley,  Henry,  vii,  32 
Morning,  The  (Haller),  16,  25,  27 
Morning  Song  (Gessner),  81 
Morning   Song  of   Praise    (Patzke), 

62 
Moss  Rose,  The  (Krummacher),  15, 

16 

Mozart,  76,  178 

Mr.  Voltaire's  Letter,  etc.,  18,  116 
Myrtil  and  Daphne  (Gessner),  41 
Myrtillo  (Gessner),  39 


Name   Unknown,   The    (Klopstock), 

by  T.  Campbell,  6,  75 
Narcissa,  19,  125 
Navigation  (Gessner),  16,  61 
New  England  Kalendar,  13 
New  Idylles  by  Gessner,  cf.  Hooper, 

W. 

New  Idyls,  by  S.  Gessner,  5 
New  Weekly  Journal,  13 
Newport  Mercury,  6,  75 
Newspaper,  The,  6,  10,  II 
Nosegay,  The  (Gessner),  65 

Oberon,  cf.  Wieland. 
Ode  on  the  late  Victory,  etc.,  5,  18,  99 
Ode  to  Adversity  (T.  Gray),  18,  159 
Ode  to  Death   (Frederick),   18,   121, 

161 

Ode  to  Evening,  71 
Ode  to  Spring,  62 
Ode  to  the  German  Drama,  18,  159 
Odes    from    the    Norse    and    Welch 

Tongues  (T.  Gray),  175 
Old  Man,  The  (Gessner),  21,  27 
On  a  Cargo  of  French  Muffs,  etc., 

1 08 
On  reading  in  the  publick  Papers,  etc., 

18,  112 

On  Reading  the  Sorrows  of  Werter, 

19,  129 

On    Singing   Mozart's   "  Vergiss    Me 

Nicht,"  178 
On  the   Battle   of   Hohenlinden    (T. 

Campbell),  171,  180 
On  the  compleat  Victory,  etc.,  18,  96 
On  the  Death,   etc.    (T.   Campbell), 

153 

On  the  Death  of  Mr.  Handel,  154 
On  the  glorious  Victory,  etc.,  18,  101 
Orlando,  139 

Paint  King,  The   (W.   Allston),   18, 

19,  183,  189 
Parody  on  Burger's  Earl  Walter,  18, 

76,  165 
Parson's    Daughter,    The    (Burger), 

cf.  Lass  of  Fair  Wone,  The. 
Passage  from  Klopstock's  Messiah,  66 
Patzke,  5,  20,  62 
Peasant  of  the  Alps,  134,  140 
Pennsylvania  Gazette,  13 
Pennsylvania,    University    of,    vii,    2, 

194,  215 

Philadelphia,  8,  215 
Philadelphia  Library  Company,  9,  215 
Philadelphia  Magazines,  etc.    (A.  H. 

Smyth),  8,  II 
Phila.  Repository,  16 


228 


TRANSLATIONS  OF  GERMAN  POETRY 


Phila.  Weekly  Mercury,  13,  14 

Philandreia,  96 

Poem  of  Haller  Versified,  The,  78 

Poetry,  German  lyric,  15 

Port  Folio,  3,  8 

Prayer  of  Frederick  II,  etc.,  18,  158 

Pringle,  Mr.,  2 

Pro  Patri  Mori  (Burger),  31 

Prologue  to  a  Play,  95 

Pye,  J.  H.,  78 

Quiz,  178 

Ranz  des  Vaches,  16,  19,  156,  176 

Relaxation  of  War  (Frederick),  18, 
no,  138,  140 

Remarks  on  National  Literature  (W. 
E.  Channing),  i 

Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Edu 
cation,  2 

Royal  Comet,  The,  18,  113 

Runic  Ode,  163,  170 

Sabin,  cf.  Dictionary  of  Books,  etc. 

Scandinavian  Hero,  The,  157 

Schickeneder,  5,  76,  85 

Schiller,  i,  4,  13,  19 

Scott,  Sir  Walter,  vii,  5, 15,  34,  76,  80 

Seward,  Mr.,  159 

"  Sheller,"  5,  82 

Shoe  Pinches,  The  (Kotzebue),  64 

Silesia,     cf.     Journal     of     a     Tour 

Through  S. 
Smyth,  A.  H.,  8,  11 
Soldier  of  the  Alps,  The,  179 
Song  (Jacobi),  85 
Song  (M.  G.  Lewis),  162 
Song,  trans,  by  Mr.  Herbert,  77 
Song — from  the  German,  73 
Song  of  a  Runic  Bard,  The  173 
Song  of  the  Swiss  in  a  Strange  Land, 

19,  176,  177,  181 

Sorrows  of  Switzerland,  The,  171 
Sotheby,  2 
Speech  of  the  Prince  of  Brunswick, 

etc.,  107 
Speech    on    the    learned    languages 

(Hon.    Francis   Hopkinson),    17, 

194 

Spencer,  W.  R.,  cf.  Leonora  [y]. 
Squeaking  Ghost,  The,   18,  174,   182, 

188 

Stanley,  J.  T.,  cf.  Leonora  [y]. 
Stimmen   der  Volker    (Herder),  35, 

140 

Suicide,  The   (Gellert),  56 
Swallow,  The  (Lessing),  33 


Swedish  Cottage,  The,  161 

Swiss   Emigrant's   Dream  of  Home, 

The,  19 

Swiss  Exiles'  Song,  The,  19 
Swiss  Peasant,  169 
Switzerland,  vii,  16,  19,  136,  163,  169, 

171,  175,  191 

Switzer's  Return,  The,  19 
Switzer's  Song  of  Home,  The,  19 

Tales  of  Terror  and  Wonder  (M.  G. 

Lewis),  vii,  5,  32,  34,  35,  80,  140, 

146,  152,  154 
Tales  of  Wonder  (M.  G.  Lewis),  cf. 

Tales  of  Terror  and  Wonder. 
Taylor,    William,   of    Norwich,    I,   5, 

I5>  29,  32,  69.     Cf.  also,  William 

Taylor  von  Norwich. 
Tell,  Wilhelm,  cf.  Wilhelm  Tell. 
Third    Psalm   paraphrased,    etc.,    18, 

106 

Thyrsis  and  Chloe  (Gessner),  25 
Ticknor,  George,  3 
To  a  Little  Charmer   (Lessing),  33 
To  Chloe  (Gesner),  85 
Trans,  from  Lessing,  60 
Trans,  from  the  German,  83 
Trans,  from  the  Idyls  of  Gessner,  43 
Trans,    of    an    Epistle,    etc.    (Fred 
erick),  18,  119 
Travels    in    the    North    of    Germany 

(H.  E.  Dwight),  3 
Trust  in  God,  6 
Tschink,  4 
Tyler,  M.  C,  10,  n 

Universal   Song  of   Praise   (Biirde), 

63 

U.  S.  Mag.  and  Democratic  Rev.,  3 
Usurer,  The  (Gellert),  17 

"  Van  Vander  Horderclogeth,"  5,  83 
Verses  by  the  Late  King  of  Prussia, 

cf.  Relaxation  of  War. 
Victim  of  Magical  Delusion  (Tschink) , 

Viereck,  L.,  2 

Virtue  Rewarded  (Gessner),  29 
Voltaire's   letter,   cf.    Mr.    Voltaire's 
letter. 

Wallenstein,  13 

Wanderer  of   Switzerland,   The,   vii, 

76,  163,  169,  175 
Water   King,   The,   trans,   by  M.   G. 

Lewis,  5,  18,  140,  146,  147 
Webbe,  John,  13,  14 


IN   AMERICAN   MAGAZINES. 


229 


Werter,  5,  16,  19,  20,  23,  24,  34,  125, 

126,  127,  129,  130,  141,  158,  181 
Werter's  Epitaph,  19,  127,  130,  158 
Werter's  Farewell  to  Charlotte,  19, 

141 

Werther  (Goethe),  cf.  Werter. 
West  Indies,  The,  and  Other  Poems 

(James  Montgomery),  176 
Wieland,  I,  2 

Wild  Hunter,  The  (Biirger),  85 
Wild   Huntsman,  The    (Burger),  cf. 

Chase,  The. 

Wilhelm  Tell  (Schiller),  13,  19 
Wilkens,  F.  H.,  3,  4,  5,  19,  20 
William  Taylor  von  Norwich  (Georg 

Herzfeld),  i 
William  Tell,  cf.  Wilhelm  Tell. 


Winter,  18,  95 

Winter  King,  The,  cf.  Hrim  Thor. 
Wish,  The  (Matthisson),  29 
Wolf  King,  The,  18,  147 
Wooden  Leg,  The  [«]   (Gessner),  73 
Wooden  Leg,  The  [ft]   (Gessner),  80 
Wordsworth,  Willam,  vii,  155 
Works  of  Thomas  Gray,  ed.  by  Ed 
mund  Gosse,  128 

Works  of  W.  E.  Channing,  The,  i 
Written  in  Germany,  etc.,  153 
Written  in  Germany,  etc.  (W.  Words 
worth),  155 

Zephyrs,  The  [a]  (Gessner),  27 
Zephyrs,  The  [ft]   (Gessner),  75 


AMERICANA  GERMANICA 

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MONOGRAPHS  DEVOTED  TO 
THE  COMPARATIVE  STUDY  OF  THE 

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of  Germany  and  America 


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University  of  Pennsylvania 


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W.  H.  CARRUTH  W.  T.  HEWETT 

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STARR  W.  CUTTING  HUGO  K.  SCHILLING 

DANIEL  K.  DODGE  H.  SCHMIDT-WARTENBERG 

A.  B.  FAUST  HERMANN  SCHOENFELD 

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